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10th February 2011 by Esther Pinn

So you're 18, which legally means you're an adult giving you three more privileges in life: voting, drinking alcohol and joining the Australian Army – well, that's how the Australian government defines grown ups. But is that what really makes us adults?

My pastor at church last year asked the congregation to raise their hands if they think an 18-year-old is an adult – only young people raised their hands.

That really struck me. How am I supposed to grow up and be an adult if my parents and their friends don't think I'm an adult at 18?

Taking Responsibility

Becoming an adult is confusing and scary – suddenly you're in charge of your own life. You get to make decisions about your career, your living arrangements and what you do with your time.

Sometimes it's difficult for our parents to accept that we are adults and it's easy for them to believe that we still need the same protectiveness that we needed when we were just kids.

If you want them to respect your decisions as an adult, I think the best way to start is to show responsibility.

For example, if you say you're going to wash your own clothes, then do it. If you say you are going be there for dinner, then show up.

Show your parents that you can take care of yourself and this will change the way they see you!

Look after your finances

So, if you buy a car, don't expect your parents to pay for petrol and insurance. If you're going out to dinner, don't ask for money. And if they ask for board money – well you can't complain because they have feed and clothed for 18 years already.

Living is expensive, particularly if you've decided to study at University, TAFE or College after school and you have expensive text books to buy.

If you don't have any money then think about getting a job. There are plenty of casual/part-time jobs out there if you don't already have one.

Remember, God will always provide what you need, so if this seems like a scary step then cast all your fears onto God and ask him to figure it, because he will!

Dwell on this passage of Scripture in Matthew 6:25, 32-33, "So, I tell you, don't worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink and clothes ... Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."

Include them

While it's fun being an adult, remember to include your parents in your life. Make time to spend with each of them individually and as a family. Have dinner with them regularly and tell them what's going on in your life. You don't have to spill every little detail, but your parents like to know what's happening in your world.

Spiritual Maturity

One of the best ways to show your parents that you're a responsible adult is to be spiritually mature in Christ.

Colossians 2: 6-7 says, "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and victorious in the truth you were taught."

By filling yourself with daily nourishment from Christ Jesus, we gain so much more out of life. It's easier to make decisions, there's less to worry about, and you have the strength to get through anything that comes your way.

Comments

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1. 

   tally

   February 25, 2011 at 12:15pm

   Good read...
   For sure, with nourishment from Christ "we gain so much more out of life" but first and foremost, God gets the glory he deserves right?

   Reply
2. 

   Pixie

   March 01, 2011 at 5:40pm

   I'm 22, married, have lived out of home for nearly 5 years and am still considered 'youth' by most of my Corps. It is little wonder then that being 18 isn't considered adult by everyone older than you at church or home. Question: When do the youth get old enough to not be youth any more? 30? What happened to 'young adults'?

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3. 

   Esther

   March 02, 2011 at 9:14am

   Hi Pixie,
   I definitely agree with what your saying. I am 23 and married. But if I wasn't married, I know would still be treated as part of the "youth". I have some single friends at church around my age and they are definitely not considered adults. I don't have a problem being labelled "young", but I think there has to be a point where you a recognised as an adult. I think "young adults" minsitry is important becuase it's an significant stage in your life where you make some serious decisions about your future and there needs to people there to help "young adults" in their journey.

   Reply
4. 

   Pixie

   March 03, 2011 at 11:33am

   I've been encouraged by my mother to re-start a young adults ministry at my Corps (I told her about this article), and have spoken to my Corps Officers about it. We had one years ago, but not for quite a while now. Maybe it's time to for it to happen again, we have a bunch of "youth" in their early 20's(one couple getting married this year) and a few couples older than my husband I. Just gotta pray about it and see what happens!

   Reply
5. 

   Esther

   March 03, 2011 at 12:44pm

   Sound great Pixie. Will pray for blessing over your ministry!

   Reply
6. 

   Deo Jazamoliki

   March 02, 2012 at 4:05am

   there is no adult at ages 16, 17, 18 or 19. An Adult is someone who is over the age of 20, people aged 13 - 19 are considered Teenagers or Adolescents.

   Reply