Four Mature Behaviors Supported by Scripture

Managing our impulsivity – Mindful, sober, and alert are what Christians are asked to be. The New Testament continues to stress the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (as in Galatians 5: 22-23). Believers are encouraged to exercise restraint and avoid impulsive actions that can lead to sin and discord. However, as humans, we all develop individual mental thinking patterns and certain attitudes affecting our behaviors. So, think before you act. If there is a vision, a plan, a strategy, then you can begin. Therefore, in order to proceed, we strive to understand and get things clarified first. We need a thought-out organized plan or strategy for approaching problems and reaching goals. And while we are at it, we don’t blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. We have to assess it first before we respond, for this may bring on an expressed value judgment, even lingering prejudice. As I often say to friends or colleagues, I don’t prejudge [prejudice], I evaluate. Everyone of us has prejudices of all kinds, for whatever social/psychological/political category, not only what is just in the news for the era. Race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, perhaps. But also job, neighborhood, language or accent spoken, labor or management position, age, income. These may carry over to influence our personal perspectives of that person described by such categories. Evaluate before speaking.

Listening to Others – The time in the interpersonal communication process spent on listening to others is considered both intelligent behavior and mature behavior. Paraphrasing and comprehending other people’s concepts, recognizing their emotions, all contribute to alleviating self-centeredness and thus being more mature in that process. Paying close attention helps gather an understanding of the essence of what is being said, to recognize the deeper meaning that lies beneath the words and not only to hear the words. Entertaining the thoughts of others without the value judgments, prejudices, and opinions is the level of listening that mitigates the egocentrism we all have within us. To paraphrase the Purpose of the Proverbs of Solomon:

Listening is the beginning of understanding…Wisdom is the reward for a lifetime of listening. Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.

Proverbs 1:5

As mentioned above, we don’t allow our prejudices to enter into the communication process; we evaluate.

Taking Risks Responsibly – Risks were taken when launching a quest out to new lands [Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, John Glenn or Neil Armstrong]. Risks were taken when launching successful businesses. Successful careers were made when taking that first step toward a dream. There may be confusion and uncertainty about the outcome, but they calculate that risk before proceeding. But you also need courage to take that step: calculation and courage. Those who are capable of being different, capable of going against the grain of the common, capable of thinking of new ideas and testing them with peers as well as leaders in their lives, are more likely to be successful in this age of innovation and uncertainty. It is not a matter of jumping into something impulsively, but rather a matter of assessing the situation and calculating the possibilities in order to move forward responsibly.

There is much biblical support for taking risks.

“If God tells you to go do something, then go do it!” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“Taking measured and balanced risks is proof of our faith in God.” (Hebrews 11:6)

“It is through risk-taking that we exercise our faith in a God who cancels out all risks and makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28)

Learning Continuously – Intelligent people never stop learning. Mature people constantly search out new and improved ways, for why repeat the ways of mediocrity or even error. Continuous learning. If you’re smart, or should I say if you have intelligence, you are forever learning something. I find my grandson so amazing, he constantly wants to learn things. He always sees better ways to do things, to improve things, to modify, to reorganize, to learn a physical or mental skill with each situation a challenge. And he’s only a bit beyond 2 years of age. Why don’t I continue that wonderment? Why be content with what already is?

So-called adults, and especially those of senior status, seem stuck on biases and former ways. So comfortable for sure, but limiting nonetheless. The more I know, the more I realize I don’t know. That is humbling. Ours is to be humble and open to so much out there and to so many alternatives.

With God, moreover, learning can be ongoing. He’ll direct us the way to go regardless of age. Why stay put still? Maturity is to learn and put it into practice. Christian maturity is to know God’s ways, to learn His paths, to be taught and led by His truth as an ongoing process, for He is the God of our salvation; we are to wait for Him all the day long to direct us.