How many of us have heard the word maturity? How many of us have heard that concept? “Be more mature”, or “he or she has matured”. How many of us have experienced the opportunity to make your own decisions? Experienced freedom from rules? Experienced the ability to set your own boundaries?

There are two distinct viewpoints on what maturity is and what opportunities await the one who has entered a situation where they have more “freedom”.

It appears people equate maturity to worldly privileges. Note how certain movies are said to be for “mature” audiences. Usually the content is of the sinful nature. As a music fan, you will hear a younger artist who has grown up say they now have a mature sound. Usually this means they are now talking about sex. It’s sometimes accompanied by wearing less and cursing more. You’re grown so now you get to do what the grown folk do…right?

Freedom within this school of thought is a euphoric breakaway from the chains of structure, rules and ultimately good behavior which was once forced upon you, to the unbound, free-spirited, do-what-I-want and bad behavior. It presents you with an opportunity to please your desires because momma ain’t there to say I can’t and ruin my fun. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Then you have the other view of maturity. God’s view. Consider…

Luke 2:52 KJV

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Hebrews 5:12-14 KJV

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Also consider…

Philippians 2:12 KJV

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Galatians 5:13 KJV

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Maturity in God’s eyes is growing in spiritual wisdom. That is learning more about how to serve the Lord, love your neighbor and pass that blessing to others. When you see one growing in this way it is magnificent and such an encouragement. Jesus matured in this way. The Hebrews were encouraged to grow in this way.  Maturity has everything to do with learning how to do better in the eyes of God and His Word is the way to that end.

Freedom is an opportunity to exercise that maturity by doing right even when you have the freedom and opportunity to do wrong. Your choices increase, but what choices do you make? What you do when your parents, your teacher, your boss isn’t watching means so much more. Ultimately God is always watching. If you left a situation where godly principles were taught, don’t use your newfound freedom to completely forsake those principles. Use it to reinforce them.

That’s God’s version of maturity. So grow up!

Now let’s listen to one of fave joints by Isaac Carree:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GQL74IebAA&feature=youtube_gdata_player