There are times in which we need others to tell us what to do. Perhaps we’re still just young, immature, or ignorant and we’re dependent on someone else to show us the way we should go. But part of maturity is growing in the freedom and responsibility of adulthood – the ability to stand on our own two feet and direct the course of our own life.
Of course, as kids we looked to our parents and guardians to know what to do and how to navigate the world around us. We needed their direct guidance to teach us right from wrong, and to learn what is good from what is bad.
But parenthood was also to prepare us to eventually do this on our own.
Naturally, we still need a village and we’re not expected to figure everything out on our own. At the same time, adulthood comes with increasing responsibilities.
We’re no longer looking to others to micromanage every choice we make, as we can now count the cost and make reasonable decisions for ourselves.
While this is certainly true in general life, it plays out in many big and small ways as well.
For instance, adulting at home means we’re not constantly looking to our wife to tell us what chores to do, how to parent our kids, or what we need to do to make her happy. Of course, she offers valuable insights on all these things. And we’re still proactively taking responsibility for our part to play.
Likewise, we’re not looking to politicians, social leaders, or public opinions to determine every choice we should make throughout the rest of life. After considering their advice, we faithfully make our own decisions.
In the end, we shortchange the life and goodness God has given us to bring into the world when we don’t exercise our mature freedom and live as adults.
It’s okay to lean on the advice and direction of others. But this is never an excuse to neglect our responsibilities as an adult. Grow in maturity by exercising the freedom and responsibility that comes with it.
Photo by Alekon pictures on Unsplash
