Emotional Maturity

An person who is emotionally immature, is constantly getting themselves into trouble. They have mood swings and are really very indecisive. At any given time, they respond to difficult situations according to how they feel. No consideration is given to what the outcome would be. This is so dangerous. Let us take for example, a woman who stays home and does not work, so she does not earn an income. Her husband is the bread winner and because of her ignorance, she is not aware of what things really cost. When she goes shopping there is no real budget so she buys on impulse. There is no money put aside for a time when they may be struggling financially. She is easily swayed so people take advantage of her. She loves branded stuff so she is always in debt. (I am using an example of a woman, but this could be a guy as well). The husband has to take responsibility to assist so that the woman learns the skill of good money handling so the can flourish in their finances. The woman in Proverbs 31 is a woman who is definitely emotionally mature. She makes wise decisions and looks carefully at her household, working off a budget and putting aside resources for the future of the family. No one starts out being wise and prudent. The Holy Spirit comes in and starts training us on our journey. We go from foolishness to wisdom. This is not done overnight, we have to engage the Holy Spirit to help us grow in faith, in wisdom, in knowledge and understanding.

We grow in the fruit of the spirit and feed on the word of God. Slowly, we start shedding of foolishness and embrace wisdom. The Holy Spirit teaches us prudence and good money management. We are not ruled by our emotions. We do not give in to foolishness as we become aware of the consequences of being foolish. We also embrace the shalom of God, the peace of God that enters our heart and causes us to take a step back as we journey through this life. We seek advice as we realise in the multitude of counsellors, there is wisdom. We do not act on our own, we participate with God and he leads us to others that help us. Emotional maturity is a milestone for every believer as we all start out being very foolish. However as we mature, from the word and the teachings we hear, we grow in wisdom and understanding and become a person who people seek out to get advice.

Should you be emotionally immature, make a decision to grow. Ask the Holy Spirit to help.