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Premature Maturity
Rod ShimabukuroJames 1:4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. [The Message]
James presses Christians to stay in the pressure of hardships. Not that we ignorantly remain in any foolishness - but trials and tests in life will produce qualities of maturity. In verse 3, The Message writes…You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.
There's a result of defficient faith and life, when we are premature in our faith, quitting before we should. Could it be a Premature Matuirty? We act mature, we thikn we are mature - but when the pressure comes...we cave in?
And many times when our “true colors of evil, embarrassment of sin” are shown, I’d rather bail out of any trouble.
Marriage is a great reflection of our Oneness with God. Marriage is beautiful, created by God for those of us married, to express our love and Oneness in Jesus - because of Jesus, for Jesus glory!
BUT…
After 31 years of marriage, there are still hardships! :( In my relationship, Beckie has to put up with ME… and my “at home/behind the scenes” lifestyle!
BUT -
my self centered pride continues to creep up in me - and cause me trouble! Sometimes I think, it’s easier to bail, be alone…do my own thing…! How evil that is - when I’ve made a covenant with my wife under God in Jesus name!
AND -
I know of men who are BAILING OUT on their wives! C’mon you men-jerks…suck it up! So sorry Lord - for my lack of gentleness!
BUT - no…it’s easier to get out…and prematurely bail from “his” covenant.
AND -
…LORD GOD…HELP ME NEVER TO BAIL OUT ON MY WIFE! PLEASE LORD…I ask for YOUR GRACE and LOVE TO FILL MY HEART - to LOVE YOU, and the Beautiful Bride YOu’ve blessed me with. AND…please help the struggling women… and men…who’s spouses are bailing out on them and YOU!
