TEVET 20
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)
“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)
©2021
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