If you have the option to live the “Peter Pan” story or “Benjamin Button” story, which one do you prefer? I prefer to get back to reality. Every one of us is born young and going to die old, assumed there is no case of tragedy and life-threatening illness within that period. Psalms 90:10.
Your life is progressive, from babyhood (0-2 y.o.), childhood (3-12 y.o.), adolescence (13-18 y.o.), adulthood (19-80 y.o., or more), and eventually die. I heard a lot of kids in their childhood or adolescence stage of life, really can’t wait to become an adult. And that’s my experience too.
The world put standard for you to become an adult. And knowingly or not all the things that you can do or consume after you become an “adult” are crucial, and for some can bring fatality if those things being abused. From driving to smoking cigarette/e-cigarette, from alcohol consumption to age of consent (for criminal conduct or sexual activity). In some cultures, you must marry by the age of 10 to 12!
What I’m trying to say is that the world can tell you anything they want about your adult stage and it will change over time. If I ask you about an adult man, a gentleman, what comes up in your mind? Strong, and have all experience in smoking or using drugs, can be rough or violence, and good on girls (usually the definition of this is the sensual experience). How about becoming a woman, a lady? Sexy (whatever is the standard), and have all experience in make-up, shopping, and sexually free (to treat their body, giving-up to sensuality, and to the point of abortion if you have to).
But what if there is another definition about being adult, that will lead you to self-control, meekness, loyalty, kindness, generosity, patience, peace, joy and love. Galatians 5:22-23. Interestingly these values turned upside-down to define “cool.” Because to control your mouth is an “old-skool” model, being impulsive and put every f-ing word in each sentence is much cooler and show your assertiveness.
Do you want to know what is cool about being an adult? It is not that you can do whatever your heart desire, that is self-centered. But being an adult is that you could love, you could give, and realize that your life is not for yourself. This is counter-intuitive in the post-modern and post-Christian world that we living right now. When you are a child you can’t serve or love others like an adult. It is more likely that you are focused on your own needs. An adult think about others, what can I do, what can I contribute? 1Corinthians 13:11.
Maturity comes with experience, not age. Experience is determined by every single choice you make. Many people get stuck to their past and can’t move on. Also a great number of people living in the utopian dream of the future without thinking of developing the present. But Jesus’ reminder to the inhabitants of Jerusalem remains relevant: “If you had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:42. I pray that every day the Holy Spirit reminded you to do something that will give you everlasting peace, not the temporal, carnal peace. And I hope all of you become a mature Christian, an adult who can do something for others and not only for themselves.
GodblesS
JEFF
Jeff Minandar 