A few weeks ago I had a chance to revisit with some old friends. These are people that Jon and I were friends with before we were married. We attended church together and were in ministry together. We hung out at each other’s houses on weekend nights and had refrigerator rights. They are one of the few couples that Jon and I felt equally close to the husband and the wife…that’s hard to find. As a young couple dating, engaged, and eventually married, they were a lifeline of wisdom for us because they were about 10 years ahead of us on the marriage and family journey. 

As we were catching up we were talking about how old we felt and how old all our kids are now. And then I asked what they were doing in ministry these days. And they began sharing how they feel “sidelined” at their church…that the younger people had stepped in and taken over leadership positions leaving them to feel as though there was no place for them. 

I had such a visceral reaction to this that it surprised even me! I leaned forward and raised my voice a little and I said something like,

 “What do you mean there is no place for you? The church needs you now more than ever! You literally have 40 years of marriage experience and you’ve raised two kids to adulthood who have thriving relationships with the Lord and loving relationships with their spouses and they are amazing parents! Young families would KILL to sit under your wisdom and spiritual maturity. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE’S NO PLACE FOR YOU!?!?!”

Since January, I have been studying the book of Philippians, first through a Beth Moore study and then a study with my church. So, it’s no coincidence that Phil 3:15 is something I’ve read over and over the last couple of months. 

It says: “Let all of us who are mature think this way.” 

What way? 

That’s what I’m talking about today. We are going to look at the third chapter of Philippians and extract four signs of spiritual maturity and three things to do if you don’t have it yet. 

Links

(Some links may be affiliates)

The Surpassing Value of Knowing Christ, by Beth Moore and Melissa Moore

Join the Behind the Balance Newsletter and Community on Substack

Are you a writer looking for ways to grow your audience outside of social media? Download my free resource: 27 Real Ways to Grow Your Audience Outside of Social Media

To listen to the podcasts where I’ve appeared as a guest, visit my PR + Media Page

Buy Mom, You’re Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You on Amazon 

Is the Voice in My Head God or Just Me? is available on Amazon 

Finding Your Balance is available on Amazon 

Take the Make Social Media Small 7-Day Challenge!

Is it Time for You to Break Up with Social Media? Take the Quiz!

How much time have you spent on social media since you joined? Try out the calculator and find out!

If you need a book or challenge of mine and cannot afford it, please email me at thescooponbalance@gmail.com for a free digital copy or a 100% off coupon. No strings attached. 

Keep up with me outside the podcast: Join my email list!

Blog post and graphics by Sophia Lebano

Have a question or a comment? 

Leave a comment below or email me at thescooponbalance@gmail.com

Follow me on Pinterest

I am no longer active on social media.