Emotional maturity is a critical aspect of human development, defined as the transition from self-centeredness to outgoing concern for others. It is the technical art of putting divine principles into practice, essential for true happiness, yet rarely taught by parents, teachers, or societal institutions. This maturity must be learned from those who are already emotionally mature, as it cannot be acquired from immature influences. For those in God's church, emotional maturity profoundly impacts spiritual lives, directly affecting spiritual growth. Control of emotions is vital, as humans are often moved to action by strong feelings that can disrupt rational thinking if not managed properly. God endowed humanity with minds to acquire knowledge, reason, plan, and make decisions, intending for these minds to direct actions. However, achieving His purpose requires learning emotional maturity, which is foundational to developing right character—the ultimate purpose of human life. Character is the ability to attain right knowledge and wisdom, and to guide the mind and body accordingly. Without self-control, emotional maturity remains elusive, hindering spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity, closely tied to emotional control, results from a full understanding and application of divine truth in daily life. It involves growing from initial reception of truth to loyal membership in the church, bearing mature fruit such as self-control. Without this control, spiritual maturity cannot be achieved. The lives of the emotionally and spiritually mature reflect consistent adherence to divine teachings, exemplified by Jesus Christ, who displayed a full range of emotions—compassion, anger, sorrow, joy, and more—while maintaining perfect maturity in the image of God. His example reveals the need for transformation in our emotional and intellectual lives to align with divine character. Maturity, both emotional and spiritual, is a goal for the Body of Christ, fostered by teaching and proclaiming His way of life. This process involves fitting into His spiritual Body, preparing fully for responsibilities in the Kingdom of God. Essential to this growth is a love that aligns with divine principles, preventing deception by false teachings and enabling discernment to apply truth competently. True maturity combines controlled emotional expression with physical health and a Spirit-led, educated mind, blending into the perfect spiritual character He intends for us to become.

Maturity, as a vital aspect of personal growth, is a hallmark of responsible adulthood. It is a sign of maturity when a person can organize his time responsibly, completing the most important tasks first and not procrastinating. This skill often takes a lifetime to master, yet it distinguishes a mature individual. In our culture, however, maturity is often undervalued, with many adults extending youthful behaviors far beyond appropriate years, prioritizing rebellion over responsibility. Historically, maturity was expected upon reaching adulthood, where one understood that life began in earnest after high school, necessitating a job or further education, and eventually forming a family to become a responsible community member. Today, such expectations of maturity are diminished, even among college graduates, as adulthood is often defined by legal age rather than personal responsibility. Biblically, maturity is linked with love and selflessness. When one reaches maturity, he or she quits acting like a child, shifting from self-centeredness to an outward concern for others, including spouse, children, and God. A child's life revolves around self, but an adult's life is dedicated to producing and pleasing others, reflecting a mature, other-centered perspective. Many, even of advanced age, fail to meet this definition, remaining focused on self rather than embracing the responsibilities of maturity. Youth is a time for cheer and frivolity, but it comes with accountability. God watches even the young, holding them responsible for their actions, as there are consequences for crossing the line. Solomon advises removing rashness and impetuousness from the heart, urging the young to put away evil and turn to God early, when life is strong and free of the burdens that come with age. This early turn to responsibility fosters maturity. Maturity also involves recognizing one's place in society and working toward growth over time, rather than overstepping boundaries prematurely. It includes self-sufficiency, as taking advantage of parents beyond a certain age hinders maturity. A mature person, once grown, should return the care provided by parents, supporting them as a sign of responsibility. Attributes of youth, such as impulsiveness and foolishness, must be disciplined out through training to achieve maturity. A mature person prioritizes wisdom over strength, thinking through actions and considering consequences. Choosing friends wisely, avoiding rebels and lawbreakers, supports the path to maturity, as does diligence, prioritizing responsibilities, living within means, and working hard. These traits bring plenty and satisfaction, distinguishing the mature from the childish. In a society of perpetual children, embracing maturity offers happiness, long life, honor, and satisfaction, aligning with God's aim to bring His people to full growth.

It has become increasingly apparent that the age of maturity for the present young adult generation has climbed to about 30 years. The age of maturity used to be between 18 and 21, but it has steadily risen past college graduation to the threshold of a person's fourth decade of life. The country has seen far more young adults living with their parents well beyond their college years, postponing marriage, and preferring relationships free of commitment and responsibility. Employers find them undependable and rootless, willing to trade a steady paycheck for fleeting pleasures. Much of the blame rests with their parents, who instilled in their children neither a sense of responsibility nor a desire for adult life, while society has been geared to perpetuating the cult of youth. As Moses wrote in Psalm 90, our lifespan is still only 70 or 80 years, and that passes by in a flash. If we fail to mature before 30, we have wasted more than a third of our life on things that matter little or detract from God's grand scheme. Paul enjoins us to walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. There is no time to waste.