Ephesians 4:13-15
“…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting , but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ…”
God never meant us to remain at one level spiritually and physically. While physical growth is automatic, spiritual grown is deliberate. He gave us servants of God to equip us to maturity.
We do however find a lot of immaturity in adults, so how do we identify it and deal with it? This article is about that.
What is immaturity?
Immaturity is defined as not being fully developed, behaving in a way that is typical of someone younger; childish.
There is a number of adults that display immaturity in the way they behave. How do we identify them and how do we deal with them. It could be a relative, a spouse of a colleague so how do you deal with immaturity.
The definition has given us a hint that the person behaves in a way typical to a younger person. Based on this definition it is therefore acceptable for younger ones to behave immaturely although some behave maturely for their age but we would understand them better that we would adults.
As the person grow in years it is expected that their behavior also gets to mature but sadly for some it does not. It is understandable when people behave immaturely occasionally, that is normal we all do it but here we are talking about someone who most of the time behaves immaturely.
What are the signs of immaturity?
– If you have seen the behavior of children when they play together. They are usually possessive. They do not want to share their favorite toy with another. They are more self centered in their speech. This is the first sign of an immature person. Their language is self centered. Everything centered around them and everything is about how their feel. Its either their way or no way. If kids don’t get their way they become frustrated and cry, throw away the toys. Same with adults who are immature, they cannot stand it when the focus or spotlight is on others. Everybody must look at them, complement them etc. This is a sign of immaturity.
– When kids are playing and something goes wrong, chances are they will blame someone else for it. They may admit later on but the initial reaction is to blame someone else. It is never their fault. Immature people also play the blame game and never take responsibility for anything. They explain themselves out of situations by blaming others. They never say “I was wrong”, “I am sorry”, “It is my fault”
– Immature people prefer to fight that to take responsibility. If you insist that they were wrong they would rather argue and fight defending themselves than admitting that they were wrong. Every now and then an immature person with be picking arguments because someone did not agree with them. Kids behave the same way.
– Immature people want to be the centre of attraction. They “Me, myself and I” kind of people. Never take that spotlight away from them, then you are inviting trouble. If something is affecting others and they have to compromise, they are not willing because they have to get their way
– Immature people don’t take time to understand other peoples feelings. Its all about how they feel. Its me, me , me.
– Immature people like to look superior that others. They enjoy looking down on other because that makes them look good at the expense of others
– They don’t take kindly to criticism. If you want to fight with an immature person criticize them, you will see their true colors. This is an easy way of assessing maturity level. How do you receive criticisms?
– Immature people want to win every argument no matter what. It won’t stop until they get their way.
– Impatience is a sign of immaturity. As adults we do not achieve things at the same time. Some get married before us, they have children before us, own a house before us that is how life is. Immature people do not understand that certain things take time to achieve. They feel if others have it they also should have it. This is a sign of immaturity. Im not talking here about a situation where you know that you are delayed by the forces of darkness as it was in the book of Daniel 10:12-13. We know there are forces like the prince of Persia that withheld our blessing but I am talking about the normal course of events where you understand that you will not achieve everything at the same time.
How do you deal with an immature adult?
– Stop attending to every argument or tantrum they throw.
– Speak to them in a mature way, don’t stoop to their level of arguing all time
– Wait until they calm down and discuss their behavior and how it makes you feel
– Tell them it is possible to change and be matured in their reaction
– Ask them if they are dealing with a difficult situation or what is causing their behavior and help them deal with it
– Pray for them
– Engage in a serious conversation with them and assure them you want to help them. Tell them to think before they speak
– If they need professional help, tell them to get help
I hope this has helped you.
You can also add more ways that have helped you deal with immaturity.
God bless you!
