Maturity comes with pain . . .

I grew up hearing that . . . "Maturity doesn't come with age but with the acceptance of responsibility." I really believe that. Not just in life but in my Christian existence. Here are a couple of other thoughts regarding mature Christ-followers from an article I recently read on the subject.

"The marks of maturity? Self-sustaining in spiritual devotions. Wise in human relationships. Humble and serving. Comfortable and functional in the everyday world where people of faith can be in short supply. Substantial in conversation; prudent in acquisition; respectful in conflict; faithful in commitments.

Take a few minutes and ask how many people you know who would fit such a description. How many? Apparently, Paul, pondered the question when he thought about Corinthian Christians and said, "I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ."

Additionally, mature Christians become mature by suffering, facing challenges that can arouse fear and a sense of inadequacy. Mature Christians learn to wrestle with questions that defy simple answers. They learn to say strategic and tactical "no's" when others are indulging themselves by saying "yes."

I suppose it can be said that maturity doesn't come with age but with the acceptance of . . . a Savior. That's where true spiritual growth begins. What a great basis on which to grow.