On Being Mature

“But solid food belongs to those who are mature.” (Hebrews 5:14)

Maturity is the aim of each one of us.  We all like to be regarded as men and women who think, speak, and act in mature ways.

Recently I have been thinking about some examples of maturity.

1. Maturity is acting better than you feel.
2. Maturity is enduring a change in a custom and not making a big fuss about it even though you liked it better the old way.
3. Maturity is being at a church gathering or a para-church gathering when you really did not feel up to coming and not telling anyone how bad you feel.
4. Maturity is continuing to work in ministries after the newness and glamour have worn off.
5. Maturity is staying put when the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence.
6. Maturity is admitting a wrong without excuses or feeling that you have to explain all the circumstances that led you to that act.
7. Maturity is forgiving yourself when God has.
8. Maturity is choosing the company of the less popular crowd and enjoying it.
9. Maturity is receiving criticism without defending yourself.
10. Maturity is making the time and effort to greet every person in a warm, unhurried way even though that means a longer wait at the cafeteria.

• Jack Harriman, pulpit minister & teacher