What is Maturity?
The buzzword this week has been maturity, so I know this season of rapid growth that I’ve been reflecting on is somehow related. According to Webster’s, mature is defined by having completed natural growth and development, or, related to being an older adult.
If maturity is the quality or state of having completed natural growth and development, then I would say, right now, we are way less mature of a society than we once were. This is not to say that immature people have not preceded us, but somewhere along the line, I believe we have opted for immaturity. It’s quite common for me to hear from my friends some phrase about not wanting to be responsible for someone (or something’s) well-being, or wanting to consider the emotional state of anyone outside of themselves. I listen, and I question: Is my generation the detriment of society by being unwilling to accept our positions as adults and the responsibility that comes with it?
Can maturity compete with our Burger King, “Have it Your Way,” motto society? Can it compete with the constant dopamine hits available from social media and substances? Can maturity compete with generations of people who no longer want to be responsible for others, and would rather nurse their neglect and abandonment wounds by remaining in Never-Never Land?
While arguments will come that our society and previous generations’ economic choices are leading us into this state of regression, I would argue it’s our lack of responsibility to our fellow man that will keep us forever stuck. This week, evaluate an area of your life where you know you need to mature, and consider the steps you need to take in order to get there – perhaps in your development of a plan, you’ll reach the first state of maturity: Not blaming others for your life choices.
A Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for the opportunity you give me every day to put away the childish things that seek to hold me back from my full spiritual development. Lord, I ask you for the wisdom to understand the areas of my life where I need to mature and develop a sense of responsibility to hold myself accountable for my mistakes, and to not blame others for my pitfalls. May you continue to order my steps and help me discern right from wrong, as I seek to deepen my relationship with you and others.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Mood Music
What is adulting if we don’t take a moment to laugh about the things that would generally make us cry? I would like to offer you all this upbeat feel-good throwback that reminds us about the part of adulthood where we work, pay bills, and are generally responsible over the people we’ve created.
Until Tomorrow.
Holistically Spiritual. 