Maturity is a Must

“There is an evil I have seen under the sun, as an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in a lowly place. I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants.” Ecclesiastes 10:5–7

Oh, what an observation! This is a tragic misalignment of divine order. We were created to reign, yet many of us are ruled over and oppressed by life’s circumstances. We are not taking our rightful place, and this, the Bible calls an error. So we ask, why? And what? Why are those destined to be above, found beneath? What causes servants to ride on horses while princes walk barefoot? Why do those entitled to great wealth live in lack, beneath the standards God has set?

Galatians 4:1–2 provides some insight: “Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.” An heir can forfeit his inheritance through immaturity. Though lord of all, he remains no different from a servant until he matures. This is saying factually that your maturity will determine the kind of opportunities God entrusts to you and the level of platforms you can access. This is not about age, size, or intelligence. It is about spiritual growth, character development, and the readiness to handle responsibility.

We must never confuse maturity with mere physical development. Size is not the same as substance. Likewise, brilliance or intelligence should not be mistaken for wisdom—they are not the same thing. One can be sharp-minded yet lack sound judgement.

Age and maturity are not synonymous. Just because someone is old does not automatically mean they are wise. Being as old as Methuselah does not bestow upon you the wisdom of Solomon or the discernment of Joseph.

As Job 32:7–9 says:

“I said, ‘Age should speak,
And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
But there is a spirit in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
Great men are not always wise,
Nor do the aged always understand justice.’”

There’s a striking truth here: growing old is not the same as growing up. An increase in age does not guarantee an increase in wisdom. The passage of time does not automatically bring maturity.

Maturity is a must. It is a conscious pursuit, a product of discipline, humility, and the fear of the Lord. Without it, we remain unequipped for the responsibilities and blessings God desires to entrust to us. Growing old is inevitable but growing up is a choice. Peter says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

The danger of immaturity is grievous! The scripture repeatedly warns believers not to remain in ignorance, for spiritual immaturity can lead to doctrinal error, vulnerability to deception, division and carnality, lack of discernment—and most significantly, missing out on the fullness of our inheritance in Christ Jesus. We are called to grow, to be rooted and built up in Him, and to come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man.

Ephesians 4:13–14 says that we can only come to know what is kept for us by growing up. Maturity in Christ is essential for us to grasp the riches of what has been freely given to us in Him. 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have received… the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

We all know what stunted growth looks like; Inability to handle deeper truths (Hebrews 5:12–13), being tossed by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14), unfruitfulness in character and ministry (2 Peter 1:5–9), lukewarmness and worldliness (Revelation 3:15–17). But the real question is: What must we do to possess our inheritance in Christ and walk in full alignment with what heaven has already provisioned for us?

To walk in full alignment with what heaven has provisioned for us, we must grow up. The inheritance is already given (Ephesians 1:3), but only the mature sons can handle and steward it. Let us therefore press on to maturity, laying aside every weight and growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Kay Alli