Key To Development!

MATURING is not an instant thing that simply happens to occur at a certain age, but is rather a process we go through in life. If it were merely age that marked MATURITY there would be no immature adults in our society, but sadly that is not the case. There is no pill or injection to provide it. There is no potion to mix up and drink for it to be gained. Though accidents may teach us some valuable lessons, maturity doesn’t happen by itself. The process of MATURING begins in youth, continues into adulthood, and we need to remain open to that which most helps to provide it.

In the Psalms we read…
“(9) HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE? BY GUARDING IT ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. (10) With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!”” ( Psalm 119:9-10 ESV)

Whether we are addressing young men or young women, the truth is the same. God’s commands are to play a significant role in the MATURING process. If they don’t, the influence for living will come from liberal secular education, world ideologies, and peer pressure. Parents have a responsibility to make sure this element is included in all the stages of their children’s development, even with what is begun to be heard at infancy. However, we each have a personal responsibility to seek it as well.

Note the psalmist did not leave the focus of this need with youth. He went on to acknowledge his own need for wholeheartedly seeking God’s commands in order to guard against wandering from them. The need is the same for every age and is vital for MATURING as God would have us. God has provided through His Word -- and the true teachers of it -- for the opportunity to MATURE with the goal being toward “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” and thus “no longer be children.” ( Ephesians 4:13-14 ESV) May we continue MATURING with that ultimate goal in mind.

Have a great day GROWING BY THE MEASURE THAT MATTERS!
Carl

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