This has been a mantra of mine since, well as long as Toys R Us has been using it in their advertising. This fits society's never-ending infatuation with youth and childhood. We want the Fountain of Youth, the magic pill to keep us young, Botox injections to at least keep us "looking" young or some formula that will at very least help keep us feeling young. Consider Brett Favre. He is absolutely an iron man in regards to the streak of consecutive games he has played. No one takes that away from him, but at the same time, the majority of people that I have talked to, think of Favre as "so 4-5 years ago." I do not wish any harm on Favre, so I would hope that once and for all he would retire and deal with the other issues facing his life, but that is completely another story.
We, too often live like kids in that effort to "stay young." Nothing wrong with youth if you can also have Spiritual Maturity coupled with it. It seems, granted my opinion, the Church has allowed itself to remain spiritually immature for way too long. This is evidenced by the rapid decline in attendance, the rise in humanistic thoughts pervading society, the lack of love being demonstrated to each other much less those who do not ever darken the doorway of the church even on "Chreaster."
Spiritual Maturity does not have to be elusive. It simply needs to be sought after – diligently. Brett Favre has been intentional throughout his career in making sure that his body was as prepared as possible prior to the season. That is why he has played in what, a million straight games or something? We too need to be intentional in our preparation for our spiritual lives. Disciplined, dedicated, and always putting ourselves in the environment where God Himself can demonstrate His power in our lives, every day. Remember the words of Jesus, "If you ask, you shall receive, if you seek, you will find, if you knock, it will be opened."
The ancient Chinese proverb says, "He who aims at nothing, shall surely hit it every time."
Intentional. That is my new mantra. Although I want to feel young forever, I finally do want to grow up. Sorry Toys R Us.
Enjoy the Journey!
Joel+
