Age is usually one of the main words we associate with maturity. However, the reality is there is more to being mature than simply getting older. The posture of our hearts and attitude towards life says a lot more about our level of maturity.
Growing up, I was blessed to have a dad who was great at sharing wisdom often and then allowing my brothers and me to make choices as to whether we applied what he shared. The attributes of a mature man I share with you today originated mostly with my dad who to this day, despite the fact he is no longer with us, remains my greatest hero.
Unfortunately, these days some of what my dad shared with me and my brothers may at first appear to be “old fashioned” or even sexist. It is not. These attributes could be, and I think should be, applied to all men and especially to dads. Admittedly, I grasped most of the value later as I “matured” and had children. I hope you might choose to experience the positive impact of these attributes as a dad a little earlier in your life regardless of what stage or season you are in today.
Here are the 10 attributes of the mature man.
The mature man …
1. Strives for personal WHOLENESS – he is committed to living free from toxic emotions or personal demons.
2. Focuses on GIVING more than receiving – generosity is much more than money to the mature man.
3. Holds a mostly POSITIVE point of view in relationships with others – he believes everyone has value, that anything is possible, and expects surprises.
4. Identifies as a LIFELONG STUDENT – he knows if you stop learning, you stop truly living.
5. Lives life from an ETERNAL perspective – he recognizes that his legacy will have a lasting impact.
6. Tells himself, and seeks the TRUTH at all costs – he knows the alternative: self-deception and denial costs way more.
7. Takes the HIGH ROAD – he is magnanimous, quick to forgive, and has a reputation as a class act.
8. Seeks and treasures the true wealth of close authentic RELATIONSHIPS over every other kind of wealth.
9. Assumes 100% RESPONSIBILITY for the strength of his marriage – it’s not up to his bride to be the first to say ‘I am sorry’ or make sacrifices.
10. Understands the most powerful force in life is LOVE – he wants to reflect back on his life , and proudly say: “This is what I accomplished with my life and who I impacted for good because I truly cared about all who God put in my life.”
