Millennials seem to be the most derided generation of all time. There is an abundance of U-tube videos, songs and cartoons that spin from the belief “Life is what happens to you while you’re looking at your smartphone.” At the root of most of the jokes is the fact that Millennials are immature. ‘Why?’, is best left to cocktail party conversation or small group discussion. The better question is ‘what does real maturity look like?’
Maturity is generally regarded as reaching an advanced stage of mental or emotional development that is characteristic of an adult. A mature person is regarded as having the experience and knowledge that leads to good judgement. That would lead us to think maturity comes to everyone with time. The humor and frustration with Millennials stems from the belief they WILL mature it’s just taking them longer than any generation on record.
Before we cast another stone or joke at the current generation, what does real maturity look like? I’m afraid even believers may not have a clear understanding of Christ-like maturity. The nature of maturity runs the risk that even when we know what it looks like, we may want to ignore it or stop it’s progress. Getting older doesn’t necessarily bring us closer to God. Millennials aren’t guaranteed of maturity and neither are we.
Peter was the original Millennial and Jesus told him what maturity would and should look like. After Christ was resurrected, he went to Peter to reinstate and reaffirm the man who had just denied and deserted Him. This is the story when Christ asked three times if Peter loved him. Just like a Millennial, it took Peter several times to slow down, pay attention and understand what was really being said. That’s when Jesus explained it to him. “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” John 21:18. Drop the mic and walk away.
Yes, “Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!'” John 21:19. When a believer reaches maturity, he follows whatever and wherever God leads him. He glorifies God. Jesus told Peter what was ahead then exclaimed, “Follow me!” The advanced stage of mental and emotional development for a believer is to follow and submit to being led by the Holy Spirit, even on a path of downward mobility that leads to worldly death.
Earthly wisdom, maturity and good judgement says to avoid death and downward mobility. Earthly maturity leads to good judgement that is characterized by more ease, more affluence and more influence. The rich young ruler was mature by all worldly standards. By Christ’s standards, he was a Millenial that refused to grow up.
Luke recorded more of Christ teaching about maturity through the parable of the sower with the soil and the seeds. “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14. It sounds like the rewards attained later in life by years of hard work can keep some people from maturing. Maturity can be attained but it can also be delayed or avoided. Becoming mature depends on your definition, your retirement plan, your goals and your god; or your God.
The writer of Hebrews said the mature folks have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. One thing that stands out is that Christian maturity doesn’t come through riches and a life of ease. As believers, we need to make sure WE understand that and don’t work around or try to avoid what God brings our way…and train the Millennials as well. If our God is sovereign, then it requires submission to whatever He brings into our lives. Jesus had been telling Peter what would happen and Peter had been fighting it tooth and nail. Finally, Peter sucked it up and submitted, saying “Lord , you know all things;” That’s what maturity looks like.
James says maturity will come in the form of testing your faith through times and situations the world tells you to avoid. Perseverance is the key and you don’t have to persevere through good times. “Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4. Maturity demands persevering through tough times. The resulting maturity doesn’t lack anything.
Is your faith being tested? Odds are that if it isn’t you’re not becoming more mature. But submission and maturity don’t always come naturally or quickly. When Christ was teaching Peter, Peter turned around and noticed John was following right behind them. “Lord, what about him?” Sounds like a Millennial again. “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return again, what is that to you? You must follow me.'” John 21:21-22.
As a Christ follower, the path to maturity for me and the path for you should have similar characteristics but can have different results. Our maturity is dependent on knowing what Christian maturity looks like and our willingness and desire to allow Him to mature us. The command to maturity is the same for both of us, regardless of the cost.
I’m glad I don’t know what the future looks like but I am thankful I know where it leads. Maturity is not something we always choose or prefer, but it is what He desires for all of us….even the Millenial.