Working for Maturity

When I was younger I always assumed that maturity would come with age but now that I am in the torrid throws of aging, fully realizing the incumbent aches and pains that come with the process, I am not so sure that age itself is what elicits maturity.  Instead, I have learned that maturity comes not with age primarily but with intentional and consistent effort over time.  Maturity tends to appear old because it takes this sort of patient move in that steady direction of growth.

For years I have been teaching private guitar lessons.  I have taught dozens of students, some young and some old.  Without fail I have found that there is a predominant principle that always comes into play: the principle of plateau.  The principle of plateaus states that there will come a point of stasis where no growth beyond a certain level can occur without the input of new information that challenges while building upon what has come next.

This principle is as equally in play in the heart of the Christian as it is in the progression of playing an instrument, and the corrective response is the same: intentional pursuit of that which incites growth through new challenge(s).  For guitar training that means scales, arpeggios, chords, techniques, and songs.  For Christianity this means Bible study, prayer, meditation, worship, mentoring, and fellowship.

If ever we find ourselves stagnant and stunted, then we have fallen prey to the principle of plateaus.  If this is the case, we should dive into Scripture with vigor, pray with intention, and serve with generous hearts.  This is the prescription for overcoming our spiritual plateaus and stupor.  Using this, as a technique for growth, the Christian never needs to feel static in their walk or limited in their growth, but will always move forward toward the heavenly Father in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit!