Just Because Mom & Dad Can Doesn't Mean They Should

I am still a relatively young man (or at least I like to think so).  I feel blessed that God has given me opportunities to serve him in a number of different ways - as husband, father, pastor, coach, etc.  While attempting to serve the Lord in those capacities, I have noticed a disturbing trend among those of my generation.  Why is it that many in my generation continue to remain dependent upon their parents?  Maybe I'm off base, but it just seems to me that more and more young people are having to rely on their parents to pay their bills, raise their children, and provide for their livelihood.

I mentioned how blessed I have been to serve God in a number of ways.  I am also blessed to have two of the greatest parents who have ever lived.  I understand that not everyone can say the same thing, so I thank God often for the wonderful parents he blessed me with.  I'll never forget the wise counsel my parents gave me when I  was considering marriage.  I had just bought an engagement ring for my soon-to-be fiancee and I was so excited to bring it home and show it to mom and dad.  I remember them both looking at it and agreeing that it was a lovely piece of jewelry.

But what they did next helped to provide me with one of the great lessons of my life.  They explained to me that when I got married, no longer was I going to be supported by them.  Rather, I would then be self-supporting as it would be up to me to "man-up" and seize the responsibility that marriage/parenthood brings.  I thank God that I have two parents who loved me enough to teach me about marriage and responsibility.

And yet as I look at the trends of our culture, I wonder if there were some in my generation who never had that conversation with mom and dad.  Perhaps they did, but maybe they just didn't listen to mom and dad's instruction.  As a coach, I see more and more children being brought to the ballpark by grandma and grandpa - not because they're helping to give the grandkids a ride, but because they have custody of them.  When the parents do show up, sometimes they are high, drunk, or obviously just in no position to raise children.

So, this is a challenge to all those in my generation:  It's time for us to step up and take responsibility for ourselves and our families.  Just because mom & dad can afford to support us doesn't mean that they should. In fact, many parents can't afford to support their children and grandchildren, yet they often feel pressured to bail them out.  We should not be putting this kind of pressure on the people who raised us.

What's the answer?  First and foremost, let's make sure that we've surrendered our lives to Christ.  We will never do an adequate job of assuming responsibility in our homes until we have placed our faith in the Savior. Furthermore, let's decide that we're going to pursue a close walk with our Heavenly Father.  Remember, the favor of God comes "by humility and the fear of the Lord" (Prov. 22:4).  Finally, we should let the words of Ecc. 9:10 ring in our hearts and minds each day:  "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Mom and Dad raised us to be big boys and big girls.  Now I pray we'll trust God and act like it.