Sivan 30
Maturity
“And endurance (fortitude) develops MATURITY OF CHARACTER (approved
faith and tried integrity).” (Rom 5:4 AMPC,
emphasis mine)
The Greek word dokimē (Strong’s G1382) is the word found in this
verse, often translated as approval, character, and experience. While none of these are incorrect, dokimē also carries with it the implication of
having been tested and proven, in order to gain that experience and
approval. And certainly endurance could
be looked upon as a form of testing. I
believe that we can all bear witness that we are not the same person we were
going into that period of trial and
testing as we now are coming out the
other side.
‘Mature’ is defined by Noah Webster as
follows: “Ripe; perfected by
time or natural growth; as a man of mature age. We apply it to a young man who
has arrived to the age when he is supposed to be competent to manage his own
concerns; to a young woman who is fit to be married; and to elderly men who
have much experience.”[1] And what is it that causes us to arrive at
that place where we are considered ‘mature’?
The experiences that we go through in life, and the choices and decisions that we make while walking this
path is what should always bring us
to a greater level of maturity.
Something I would
like to remind all of us is that our Messiah King is not an advocate of ‘child brides’, but is returning for a bride
that is mature in character, and filled with integrity (see Eph 5:25-27). If we continue to throw temper tantrums,
whining and complaining over how long we have been ‘enduring’ this particular
test and trial, it is a sure sign that we have not passed the test, and will be required to re-take it at some
point. It is far better to destroy the self-sovereignty
in our lives, submit to the will of our Father, endure the season we find
ourselves in, and recognize that it is our Creator who is perfecting all that
concerns us (see Ps138:8).
“And let endurance
have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught.” (James 1:4 ISR)
“And the Elohim of all
favour, who called you to His everlasting esteem by Messiah יהושע, after you have suffered a while, Himself perfect, establish,
strengthen, and settle you.” (1Pet 5:10 ISR)
©2018
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