Does the idea of maturity come from what is ready, from whom it has attained its full condition, from what it is?A dictionary definition says that maturity is the state, condition (structure, shape, function, or organism) in an adult stage; condition of fullness in art, knowledge or skills acquired?m. intellectual?m. emotional?m. of behavior?This word comes from the Latin mat ‘Rus, a, a’ that occurs at the right time, at the right time”, hence “matures, is what reaches its full development, in a timely, timely manner”;
When we talk about the fruit of the earth we say that it is ripe when, having reached its full development, it can be harvested, consumed or sown; in fact, when we taste a fruit, do we know if it’s ripe?and when it’s immature, we also know that.
- The biblical notion of maturity.
- However.
- Can contrast a little with the most popular.
- Worldly or profane notions.
- As it wishes.
- Because.
- As a general rule.
- It is assumed that childhood and youth are linked to madness.
- Impulses.
- Delusions and dreams.
- Immaturity.
In general, this is true. In Proverbs 22:15 we read that madness is in the heart of the child, but do we also find examples in the scriptures of very mature young men, like Timothy ?, whose youth should not be despised; like David, who, in his adolescence, assumed a humble and determined attitude before enormous responsibilities; Joas, at the age of seven, was appointed king of Israel and did what was right before God, under the supervision of the priest Jehoiada; Ezekiel, another righteous king of Judah, began his reign at the age of 25 and made important religious reforms in the nation, acting with wisdom and grace. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, at the age of 12, was already teaching in the temple, a young man obedient to his parents, humble, meek and wise, already immensely mature at that time.
In addition, maturity has been associated with the ability to take responsibility, be prepared for life’s trials and challenges, be an adult and make difficult decisions, understand complex situations. Maturity is often associated with old age. But beware!In the most secularized mentality, are certain sins justified?Or at least they are explained to be fit for adult life, or even for mature living. Adultery, greed, complacency, to name a few, are evils that affect the most “mature”. “.
Therefore, associating maturity with age can be a mistake. 19th-century Austrian author Hugo Hoffmanstall, in his book “The Book of Friends,” said:
“Young children and immature older adults abound in some states where the world is sometimes found.
The Portuguese poet Antero de Quental also made a harsh reproach to a rival, an old man, saying:
“I get up when you have white hair. I walk in front of me. But the mischievous brain below and the squeaky little things that come out of it, I admit, deserve neither admiration, nor respect, nor esteem. The futility of an old man hates me as much as gravity in a child. His Excelencia. il takes less than fifty years, or even fifty years of reflection. It is for all these reasons that I deeply regret not being able to confess to you, as I wished. neither admirer nor respectful ?.
Do they teach us the scriptures we should honor the Khans?White hair? Because they are usually associated with experience and wisdom, but we must recognize that this is not always a reality. Abraham was already an old man when, for fear of men, he lied about his wife?Lot was an old man when he lived with his two daughters and Noah was old enough when he got drunk in front of his children. David committed some of his most serious sins when he was an experienced man, fifty years of age or older.
Therefore, maturity and immaturity do not necessarily have to do with the question of age, origin, social status.
In the Bible, maturity is associated with the doctrine of sanctification.
Sanctification is this doctrine that speaks of the transformation of our lives, of a new mentality, linked to Christ and to the will of God, is the idea of denying yourself?And this is very counter-intuitive and goes against the idea of control that the world suggests for maturity?taking our cross and crucifying this world with Christ. It is linked to the abandonment of sin, the mortification of the acts of the body, the renunciation of vices and bad habits, the traits of our personality that lead us in thoughts and practices of our ancient nature.
Christian maturity is associated with the idea of spiritual growth, or growth in the things of faith, the hunger of God, the desire to enjoy greater communion with God; he is obliged to walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit, consider the things of the Spirit, worship in the Spirit, and indeed produce the fruit of the Spirit, is linked to the desire for growth and development in both the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and obedience.
Maturity in the Bible is also linked to the idea of pilgrimage, travel, walking, good fortune, tribulations, trials, struggles, dramas and even some of our defeats can lead us to maturity, refinement of faith, growth and a better understanding of things. .
Maturity is linked to fulness and joy in God, joy, sincere praise, and worship. The book of Psalms teaches us much about this aspect of maturity: the joy of being with God’s people; joy of worshipping God; fulness and satisfaction in God; peace in God; Trust in God.
Maturity is linked to the virtue of humility, in the sense of proportion and place; contentment, meekness and wisdom. It is related to service. Who wants to be great, to serve ?, said the Lord Jesus to his disciples. Maturity is linked to love of neighbor and good works, as James says in his epistle.
Is maturity in the Bible always linked to the notion of incorporating Christ’s values, of incorporating the character of Christ?As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8. 29, to be done according to the image of Christ and in Colossians 3. 10, to make our humanity remake in the image of the one who called us and again in Ephesians 4. 13, that we at reach perfect virility, like the stature of the fulness of Christ. To mature is to be more like Jesus.
The goal of the Christian must be to grow in the things of faith; take possession of the things of faith and make them your own; the goal of the Christian must be to prove and see that the Lord is good, to be transformed from glory to glory, in the very image of the Lord, by the Spirit.
May God make us mature believers!