WORD OF THE WEEK - MATURE - TRANSITION SERIES 4-12-26

DEFINITION: Completely grown or developed in emotional, physical or intellectual capacity.Add to word list
SCRIPTURES:Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
1 Corinthians 13:11 - “ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Ephesians 4:16 - “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in 

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Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

DEFINITION: Completely grown or developed in emotional, physical or intellectual capacity.Add to word list
SCRIPTURES:Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
1 Corinthians 13:11 - “ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Ephesians 4:16 - “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Word of the Week:MATURE
This week in our Transition series, we explore what it truly means to transition into maturity — not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
As we examine the word “MATURE”, I realize that in our introduction to this series, I specifically referred to the “transition from childhood to parenthood”.  That statement was deliberate. It was never meant to exclude those who do not have children.  Rather, It is to make us aware that as we interact with those who are growing and maturing, we become examples of maturity.  That occurs without our permission. 
Like it or not, your behavior, character, and actions matter to those who observe you. In many ways, the condition of our world is dictated by the maturity displayed by the people who govern it and the people who inhabit it. 
Maturity is the willingness to manage the ever-changing nature of people and circumstances, with wisdom, care and accountability. We are not born mature; we transition into it. 
When born, a baby begins its journey of growth.  It learns to express its feelings and respond to its surroundings.  It gurgles and coos until it learns how to talk, crawl, walk upright and verbalize its thoughts.  Over time, most become physically capable of managing their bodies. Eventually, physical growth reaches its limit, and the transitions of aging begin. But physical growth is only part of the story.
God has given that same baby something far more powerful than physical ability — a mind capable of making choices. And depending on development and influence, the mind:­ controls emotions and determines how willing it is to learn.­ shapes who and what it likes.­ develops values and moral character.­ is influenced by internal and external forces.­ directs positive or negative behavior.­ accepts, ignores, or rejects information.­ yields to the spirit of good or the spirit of evil.­ chooses goodwill toward others or self‑absorption.­ accepts accountability or shifts blame.­ dictates the story you tell yourself about yourself.­ and unlike the body, can choose to grow or to stop growing.
As it is written in the Bible: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child… but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Flip Wilson, who famously excused his bad choices with the declaration; “The devil made me do it”, the truth is that none of us is exempt from the choices our mind makes. 
The mind is the command center that determines how you experience life, and your choices reveal your level of maturity. 
In Luke 8:14 Jesus says, it is the seeds that fall among thorns that do not mature. They grow wild, uncontrolled and consumed by worries, the pursuit of wealth and the desire for pleasure. Growth without discipline results in a lack of self-control which is a clear sign of immaturity.
But a mature person has gifts and qualities that are above all law. A person who is mature…
responds with patience and discernment;avoiding pettiness and aggression.respects boundaries--theirs and others.communicates truthfully, clearly and without defensiveness.adapts easily while managing changing situations.responds gracefully and without disrespect or judgment.remains consistent in their values, desire to learn and attitude.has no need for validation or acclaim. 
A mature person has transitioned from an impulsive, lacking in knowledge, selfish child to a person who has chosen to live out the fruits of the spirit --love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self‑control.  These qualities describe every great parent or person, whether or not they have biological children.
So, here’s the question:  Are you a mature person?...or is God inviting you to continue growing as you consider the example younger people see in you?

 

GOD BLESS YOU!!
ORINE OUT!!