Let’s Talk Immaturity!
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11, KJV)
There have been times in my life where I knew I acted immature in some matters. But honestly, who wants to admit they’re immature? Who wants to admit, they’re still acting childish in some areas of their life?
Well, let’s take a look at the definition of immature. Merriam-Webster defines immature as:
Now with that definition, it’d probably be easier to just shy away from admitting you either have acted immaturely are you are still a little immature in some areas.
God’s Expectation
As you take time to read the word of God, you’ll see that there is an expectation that God has for His children to grow. Paul said in I Corinthians 13:11 that when he was a child, he thought like one. When he became a man, he put away childish things. That’s what we must do. God expects us to put away childish and immature things as we grow in our walk with Him.
Romans 8:17 says that we’re joint heirs with Jesus Christ and Philippians 2:5 says to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”. In God, maturing is a must.
Warning Signs of Immaturity
So, what are some behaviors that you are exhibiting less than a degree of maturity? Let’s take a look at a few:
- Rebellious
- Feeling entitled to one’s attention
- Failure to take responsibility for actions
- Whining/Complaining/Disputing
- Despising Correction
- Irresponsible
- Deceitful
- Impulsive – lack of self-control
- Corrupt communicator
- Refusal to submit to leaders
Of course, there are more but we’ll stop there! Let’s say you’re a part of a team or group on a mission to accomplish a goal. Can you see how these behaviors could damage the progression of the team? Can you see how the growth of the group would be stunted because of someone acting out any of these behaviors?
Immaturity and Ministry
As believers, we are commissioned to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Well let’s take a look at the list again and examine how an immature person would handle spreading the gospel. What would an immature person say about having to share their testimony or bring someone to Christ? What’s an immature person’s approach to evangelism?
- Rebellious — “I don’t want to evangelize. Someone else can do it.”
- Feeling entitled to one’s attention — “I don’t want to invite them to church because they’ll get more attention than me.”
- Failure to take responsibility for actions — “It’s not my fault.”
- Whining/Complaining/Disputing — “I hate talking to strangers. I don’t want to approach people I don’t know. This is not for me.”
- Despising Correction — “Since I got corrected, I’m not evangelizing anymore.”
- Irresponsible — “I left all of my ministry materials somewhere. I don’t remember. Oh well.”
- Deceitful — “I covered the whole territory I was supposed to cover” (really?)
- Impulsive – lack of self-control — “I invited them to church and they said no. I’m not inviting anyone else ever again.”
- Corrupt communicator — “My way of evangelism is better than yours.”
- Refusal to submit to leaders — “My Pastor taught a class on ministry and evangelism and what we need to do. I have a better way so I’ll do that.”
Getting to the Point
Of course, this list can be examined in various scenarios whether it is ministry, work, business, family and friends. But the point of the matter is God’s word gives us everything we need to help us grow from faith to faith and to mature.
So, if you have areas where you are immature then remember to take on the mind of Christ. Remember to put away childish things. Put away those petty thoughts and immature conditions of your heart and grow! Grow in grace, grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and grow in God!
Do you have an immaturity behavior you can add to the list? Post it in the comments below!
Yes, this is a great article and brings many valid points. One thing that I struggle with is being “moody” at times. When something doesn’t go the way I expect, at times I still catch an attitude. I am getting better and that mood may only last a few minutes or split second, however the spirit has presented itself and I have to rebuke it. I have adopted a “whack-a-mole” mindset that forces me to deal with my thoughts and issues that are not like Christ. Like the mole that pops out of the hole in the ground, as soon as the undesirable spirit rises, I *WHACK* it with a rebuke prayer and ask God to deliver me from it.
Thank you so much for sharing Dr. GNP. I definitely understand being “moody” at times. One thing that rings true is that the difference between immediately addressing a spirit that rises and literally letting it linger is a simple decision. It takes a decision to deal with a spirit that presents itself in us. And yes absolutely, I’m with you on the WHACK it with a rebuke prayer and asking God to deliver you from it. The problem comes in when you don’t want to deal with the thoughts and issues that are not like Christ. It’s far better to face it head on and immediately! Again, thanks for sharing!
Comparing my self to some else. Running away and not facing my issues or situations. These two are my personal immaturity. I should try the whacking method.
Hi Marqueena! Thanks for sharing. A lot comes with comparing yourself to someone else. That’s where you really have to do a heart check and see why you are comparing yourself to others. It’s interesting how at times we’d feel as though running away from our issues and situations somehow makes them go away but of course, that is not the reality. Those unfaced issues grow into deep rooted issues that spill into all areas of your life. God’s word tells us to resist the devil and he will flee. The word of God tells us to not be ignorant of the devil’s devices. Rebuke and resist the devil and be sure to not fall for his devices and temptations to compare yourself to someone else! Again, thank you for sharing! Walk in victory!
Great post, enjoyed it! When I started thinking about this, the first thing that came to my mind was the way I can’t handle when things don’t as I had planned. I begin to “lose my cool.” I know life is life and things won’t always go as planned, but it’s hard for me change with those changes. I had my mind set on something and if it doesn’t happen I become immature.
Hi Tiffany! Thanks so much for your comment. I’m sure many of us have to control ourselves in that area. Especially when it comes to understanding the will of God. When things go according to His will, but not what we wanted then we get upset and out of whack. But we forget that God is in control! The best thing to do is accept God’s will no matter what it is! It takes work for sure but the peace that comes with it is truly a blessing! Again, thanks for sharing!