Arlene, I want you to know how much I appreciate your wisdom, and your thought-provoking questions.  The article you linked on spiritual maturity is just excellent.

My pastor has mentioned numerous times in his sermons how rabbis - including our Lord Jesus - prompted their disciples to deeper thought by answering a question with a question, and your way of addressing things strikes me as being somewhat of that method.  For me, at least, this method works much better in helping me to internalize a truth - if I've had to think it through for myself rather than just spouting what someone else said.  And debating successfully is all about being able to explain why you hold certain views, which is essential if one is trying to spread the Gospel of Truth.

Several things you wrote definitely bear repeating:

"Maybe maturity is not sticking our thumbs into everyone else's pie, so to speak.  None of us can know everything.  Immaturity may be not knowing enough but still trying to tell someone else what to do in some cases...But, I guess maturity is admitting to one's shortcomings as well....and then stepping aside for ones who know more.  "Babes" just get angry and have temper tantrums when someone calls them wrong."

These things are clearly true in the spiritual sense, but equally applicable in the workplace and in our homes.  It's tough for many of us with strong personalities to admit that we don't know everything, but there is such joy and freedom in acknowledging that we don't know it all, and allowing ourselves to be teachable!

I started a new job in May of 2011, with a good base of knowledge but much to learn.  I believe that the Lord has helped me to model to others what being teachable looks like, and my supervisor has told me that it has made a difference in the atmosphere of our workplace.  All glory to God!!

Anyway, thanks so much to you and so many others here on 5 Doves for sharing your insights with us.  I hope to meet you all really soon:)


Much, much love in Christ,
Lydia F