Tim Challies has done a vlog where he discusses growing in wisdom and maturity that’s posted on his site. Here’s the transcript:
There’s a call on every Christian to grow and keep growing in wisdom and maturity. In this video I discuss the difference between the two and encourage younger people (and older people!) to commit themselves to these key traits.
What is wisdom & maturity, and is there a difference between the two?
Yes, wisdom defined biblically is really knowledge of God and obedience to God. And so when we think of wisdom we might think of knowledge, we might think of smarts, but really, wisdom is the ability to know the will of God and the willingness to do the will of God. …
And that begins of course, according to Proverbs with the fear of the Lord. With knowing Him, understanding Him. Maturity is I think growing in wisdom, growing in godliness, and so this commitment that through the passing of time, as time goes on, I will grow in these attributes, I will grow in these traits. I’ll become ultimately more what God wants me to be, I’ll become more like Jesus Christ.
Why is it important for young people to be serious about growing in wisdom & maturity?
Young people should take it very, very seriously because Jesus took it very, very seriously. It’s fascinating as you read the accounts of the life of Jesus, that we see Jesus as a baby, then we see Jesus as a 12-year-old, and then we see Jesus in his thirties. And what was happening between 12 and 30? We’re told that Jesus submitted to his parents and he grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. So, here is the son of God, perfect, no sin, had existed from all eternity, and what did he have to do in those years? He had to grow in wisdom. So, Jesus applied his younger years to growing in wisdom. Now, if the son of God had to do that, I dare say, it would probably be a good idea for you, young person, to do that. To commit your younger years to growing in wisdom. What better pursuit could there be, when you’re young, to admit to your inability, to admit to your pride, to admit your insufficiency as a person, and to truly commit to growing in the wisdom you need to properly navigate life.