5 Habits of the Maturing: - Intercession For A Generation Blog
As believers, we are to be maturing which means we aren’t to stay in the same place, but to grow instead. Everyone may not be at the same level of maturity, but we are all maturing in some aspects. Below are some signs to notice when you may be maturing.
Mature people do not fight every battle
People are often easily jealous of mature individuals because of their maturity. Some insecure individuals see the promotion that comes with walking in maturity or godly wisdom without seeing the trials and tests that propelled the mature individual to maturity. Immediately the insecure individuals may compare themselves to the mature individual, and not feeling as though she measures up; she immediately looks for the worse in the mature person to put him down.
A mature believer will not fight this battle with an insecure person, but instead secretly pray that the insecure person would get a revelation of who she is in Christ. In doing so, the mature individual maintains honor.
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
Mature people make hard choices when they know it is right even when they are afraid
Mature people will not allow fear to stop them. There may be something that is required to be done such as to confront a person in a biblical manner for the purpose of forgiveness or clarity. Even though these things are uncomfortable, a mature person will do what is necessary because he understands the benefit of doing what is right even when it is hard or uncomfortable. The mature person will value the result which will be clarity and forgiveness which allows for wholeness and soundness of mind rather than crouching in fear. Overcoming uncomfortable situations such as unforgiveness and fear allows us to operate at our best, and that is God’s will for us. Confrontation can be scary, but necessary. The mature will know when it is necessary.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)
Mature People Practice Discipline. They don’t always do what they want to do.
Mature people practice discipline meaning they know how to delay what they want right now; for a more appropriate time. They don’t overdue it. They don’t watch too much television, or spend too much time on social media. Instead, they remain focused to the task at hand, and once completed; they are rewarded because of their diligence. They don’t just think about today, but they also consider tomorrow.
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. Proverbs 12:24 (NIV)
Mature people are humble enough to understand that they don’t know everything
They learn at every chance and every opportunity that they get. They are not offended from learning from someone who is younger than them they will learn from anyone or any situation where they can draw something from. They understand the value of growth the value of learning the value of getting better. Mature people understand the value of other people. They understand that they cannot do things alone, and that they need others for help. They are willing to do what is necessary to be in right and healthy relationship with others.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than himself. Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
Mature people acknowledge the Lord in all of their ways
It’s a habit to mention to the Lord plans, thoughts, interests, and ideas. Doing so, is what makes our plans so successful. Either God will allow us to see that our ideal isn’t what he has in mind for us, or he will began to give us wisdom to walk out our plans and ideas in a manner that pleases him.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
