Growing Up Still Matters: Why Stanley Jones’ Wisdom Is Urgently Needed in India Today

I’ve been spending time lately with some very small books that carry very big ideas.

One of them is Christian Maturity by E. Stanley Jones—a slim, pocket-sized volume written many decades ago. It may be small enough to fit in your coat pocket, but don’t let that fool you. Inside is more wisdom than you’ll find in many modern books stacked three deep on a bestseller shelf.

That little book—and others like it—reminded me why the Stanley Jones Radio School exists in the first place.

A Small Book with a Big Diagnosis

Stanley Jones once wrote words that feel almost unsettlingly current:

“We are very immature people attempting to handle very mature problems.”

He said that years ago—when the atomic age was just beginning—but it could have been written this morning. Our problems are growing faster than our capacity to handle them. Technology is powerful. Information is abundant. But maturity? That’s in short supply.

Jones believed the deepest crisis of any age is not a lack of intelligence, resources, or innovation—but a lack of inner growth. We grow older, yes. But not all of us grow up.

Why Old Books Still Speak

I’ll confess something: I often buy used copies of Stanley Jones’ books.

Not because they’re cheaper (though sometimes they are), but because I love seeing what previous readers underlined, circled, and scribbled in the margins. Those marks tell a second story—the story of how truth landed in another human heart.

Sometimes the most powerful commentary on a book isn’t written by the author at all, but by the unknown reader who encountered something that changed them.

That’s what these books still do.

Stanley Jones Was an Entrepreneur of the Spirit

Stanley Jones didn’t just write wisely—he lived resourcefully.

Long before “creator economy” or “mission-driven enterprise” were buzzwords, he funded much of his ministry through his writing. His books didn’t just inform; they sustained a global mission. The written word became the spoken word. The spoken word became transformed lives.

From Written Word to Living Voices

Right now, our calling is clear.

We have the books—new editions made available through the faithful work of the Stanley Jones Foundation. But books alone are not enough.

What we need now are living voices.

Young men and women—especially of Indian descent—who will take the wisdom of Stanley Jones and speak it again through podcasts, radio programs, and digital media—in English, Indian English, Hindi, and other national languages.

Why India? Why Now?

Stanley Jones gave much of his life to India. The need there has not diminished—if anything, it has intensified. And the Indian diaspora now spans the globe.

Most of us listening today won’t be here forever. But what if part of our legacy was helping raise up voices who will be?

That’s the heart of the Stanley Jones Radio School for Fully Alive Living.

Things to Remember

• Maturity is the missing ingredient in many of today’s biggest challenges.
• Small books can carry world-changing truth.
• Wisdom must move from page to person to remain alive.
• Legacy is not what we leave behind—it’s who we raise up.

Things to Share

• Share Stanley Jones’ writings with someone younger than you.
• Share this vision with friends who care about faith, India, and leadership.
• Share stories of how timeless wisdom has shaped your own life.

Things to Act On

• Restock your library with Stanley Jones’ books—and give them as gifts.
• Pray for young men and women who may be called to become living encores.
• Consider a financial gift to support this work.
• Reach out with ideas, encouragement, or interest in mentoring.

An Invitation

If this vision resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me directly at [e-mail].

Together, we can help ensure that the wisdom of Stanley Jones doesn’t simply survive—but speaks again.

As Stanley Jones often reminded us, each of us is a little bit of the Gospel. Let’s live—and share—that truth well.

All the best and blessings,
Stan