When I was an adolescent, those three words–maturity, responsibility and discipline–were anathema. They spoke of stodgy old people, not to vibrant, young, liberated people. I probably reflected my generation. Probably lots of generations of adolescents.
Even as early as the 60s, sociologists were writing about how American society was prolonging adolescence in its young. I think maybe other societies are doing that today.
The president of the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association, Angelia Erbaugh, told me yesterday at a small regional trade show held just north of Dayton that manufacturers are looking for people to hire. Trouble is they need people that meet two criteria. The first requirement is for the appropriate technical skills. The second relates to maturity–willing to show up for work every day, able to pass a drug test, able to work with others.
This started me thinking about maturity, but the post I had in mind I had already written. However both of those criteria fit my central focus of developing Spiritual Disciplines, or put another way, Spiritual Practices.
First, we have to accept responsibility for ourselves and our actions. We have to make responsible decisions. Getting an appropriate education is our responsibility–not society’s or our parent’s. We must develop the practice of study and learning.
Getting up every day and working is a human need and requirement for survival. It’s a basic step in maturity. Almost everyone can do this. For those few who cannot for reason of disability or otherwise, then we as a society should help them out. Most of us just need to “suck it up” and go do something.
Paul says when he was a child, he acted like a child. When he grew up, he put aside childish ways. We should go and do likewise.
Faith Venture 
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