17. Do not expect instant perfection from your wife and family.

Remember, maturity is not an instant thing. Maturity takes time and some are slower than others. Whilst it is true that we should aim for perfection (Matthew 5:48), yet it is possible to be mature in some areas of life and not in others.

A child may be perfect for his or her age, but if the child remains at the same level of maturity as time goes by, we have a problem. The same rule applies to each one of us.

Remember that your wife and family cannot be viewed as you would your office and workers over which you have charge. You cannot fire your wife and family if they do not measure up. They will mature better in an atmosphere of love, patience, and encouragement than in an atmosphere of tension and too much expectation of perfection.

Part of our own maturity is to know when to relax a little, loosen up, and not get so uptight when people around us do not measure up to our expectations.

Be encouraged. Colin