Mature vs. Maturing (an Update)

My, oh my...

This week has been one of the worst, for me, in recent memory. I feel like it should be nearing the beginning of next week; but no, it is merely Wednesday. As I write this, I am in the UM library (I will have been here for over 12 hours) exhausted from a huge Physics exam that I barely studied for. Mind you, I didn't study for it because of the myriad events that required and reverted my attention elsewhere, not because I felt prepared in any way. Nonetheless, that is over with. Now I can focus my efforts to finishing a project (haven't started - due tomorrow), completing an HW assignment, and studying for another exam Friday.

Now, this week hasn't been miserable because of all the school work (it's probably the opposite actually, school would barely scratch the surface), but because of multiple trials flung my way. I wish I could go into detail about these issues, but I believe God values men who wrestle with their struggles independently, without having to involve a ton of people. Rest assured, though, I am not keeping everything to myself; as a matter of fact, I have already spoken to various people about what is going on in my life and the things I've endured (I am probably over-dramatizing it, but it's still rather tough for me). Just watch, this is going to through you for a loop: The purpose of this e-mail is to encourage you! lol

Think back to last week. Do you remember what the e-mail was about? No? Ok, well I do -- and it was about being mature in Christ and exactly what that entails. I wrote this last week:

"If anything, true Christian maturity is being able to say 'Blessed be the name of the Lord' when your flesh desires to throw in the towel. It is understanding that becoming a man or woman of God is incredibly difficult, yet surprisingly refreshing when God graciously offers us His strength to make it through the day."

Isn't it amazing how God answers our prayers before we pray them?! You see, I never specifically prayed to be more mature -- but after learning what I did last week, and after what Freddy spoke about on Sunday, the topic of maturity was on my mind and heart. To make a long story short (too late, huh?), I think the Lord has been using these events in my life to develop me into a more mature Christian. You see, our concept of "mature Christianity" is skewed. Being "mature" implies a level of completion, almost as if there is no more growth to accrue. However, we, as Christians, understand that "mature Christians" do not settle for where they are at in their spiritual walk. They know that their lives are the result of constant self-denial. Instead, these "mature Christians" are, in actuality, better labeled as "maturing Christians," in order to reflect that ongoing process.

I am in the middle of this process -- this struggle, no less. And yes, it is very tough. But I know, when all is said and done, it will be more rewarding than it was tough. Materialistically, I may come out on bottom, but I will be closer in my relationship with Christ and I have faith that it will be more satisfying than anything of this world.

Ok, that's what I am going through. How are you all doing? I wish you guys would take some time to update us on your life and on how God is working in it. I would love to read it... really, I would!

MTI

PS - Throw up a prayer for me every now and then, why don't ya? lol
PPS- I guess I should throw this out there, why not? ... Happy Valentines Day!