Maturity starts with the willingness to give oneself.
Interpretation
Maturity involves selflessness and the ability to give of oneself for others.
Elisabeth Elliot's quote suggests that true maturity is characterized by our willingness to share and give to others, rather than being selfish or self-centered. This selflessness indicates emotional growth, understanding, and a readiness to engage meaningfully in our relationships and responsibilities.
In practice
In a graduation speech emphasizing the importance of community service.
We are not asked to SEE," said Amy. "Why need we when we KNOW?" We know--not the answer to the inevitable Why, but the incontestable fact that it is for the best. "It is an irreparable loss, but is it faith at all if it is 'hard to trust' when things are entirely bewildering?
Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.
What sort of world might it have been if Eve had refused the servants offer and had said to him instead, βlet me not be like God. Let me be what I was made to be - let me be a woman'?
Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to worship ''in spirit and in truth.'' Never mind about the feelings. We are to worship in spite of them.
Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.
If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd.
Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of. _x000D_ _x000D_ Suspect each moment, for it is a thief, tiptoeing away with more than it brings.
Ignorant men do not know what good they hold in their hands until they've flung it away.
Breach of promise is a base surrender of truth.
But neither of us knows, because a fight's worth nothing if you know from the start that you're going to win it.
It's very important in life to know when to shut up. You should not be afraid of silence.
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