Beyond oneself.....Maturity!

In an attempt to understand why some people don’t think beyond themselves I began to contemplate the subject of maturity. I have found that understanding what maturity is has benefited me greatly. I’ve gained perspective about myself and others. I hope in considering this topic you will benefit also.

Mature - fully developed, having or showing the mental and emotional qualities of adulthood, having reached a final or desired state.

 

Immature - not fully developed or grown, childish, having or showing a lack of emotional or mental maturity.

 

There are two components that help determine maturity and/or immaturity. Self awareness and self centeredness. Self awareness is simply the conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. Self-centeredness is simply one is concerned primarily with one’s own self, needs, feelings and desires. Self awareness is the core to maturity. Self centeredness is the core of immaturity.

It is important to share a few things. An honest evaluation of self is necessary to determine maturity as you are, not as you hope to be. Age has nothing to do with maturity. It is possible and likely to be more mature (developed) about some things and immature (underdeveloped) in others. Also maturity should not be thought of in terms of positive and negative . Knowledge is neither. What you do with knowledge is the only important factor.  

 

Understanding that someone is immature affords at the very least the knowledge that the behavior is self centered, it’s about them (not you) regardless if they are aware or not. The mature has confidence in this knowledge and respond accordingly. The immature consider themselves and react based upon their own self.

The more mature (self aware) the more inclined to take responsibility for behaviors not in word only but in deed as one continues to be enlightened.   

 

As maturity ensues regarding this subject matter we’re faced with one of two situations repeatedly; acknowledging if the person you’re dealing with is immature and based upon your response, if reflective, determining your own level of maturity. From there having the opportunity to move forward accordingly.

I have provided a simple commentary. For those who are able consider this writing as it relates to your Christianity. This can help to examine your maturity or immaturity in Christ. Christ being within us, therefore Christ centered as well as Christ aware would indicate maturity in Christ.  Paul exhorted the Corinthians as well as countless others to grow into a mature person. Would his exhortation be any different for any of us today?