“You are only young once, but you can be immature indefinitely.”

Even in 2020, this statement rings true in regards to the lives of far too many adults. These are individuals that have reached a certain age where maturity and wisdom should be more prevalent, yet there are many adults who remain petty, self-centered, egocentric, childish, braggadocios, hateful, narcissistic, unforgiving…(I could go on). We see these childish character traits all the time in grown adults who, by this stage, should know better.

It has been said, that experience is the greatest key to wisdom. Sometimes this is true, but for many adults, they just never get it. No matter how many times they experience the negative consequences of their actions, they just never learn. Instead, they continue to repeat the same behavior over and over again, never learning, never growing – the same old lack of character.

Saul, Israel’s first king, could relate. Outwardly, he had it all as a potential leader, including the “right look.” He was handsome, and a head taller than everyone. Line up a group to pick a leader and most would pick him. But Saul lacked true faith- he lacked integrity. He made excuses for failure and worst of all, he lacked what all great leaders have – courage. King Saul is a great example of the saying, “Everybody is good for something, if only to serve as a bad example.”

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Wisdom comes from trusting God and obeying His word. It’s the best prevention for growing in lasting maturity. And wisdom that comes from God is far more important than experience.