SEANMBRAGE

28 is not 18

Today was the first day of Men’s Boot Camp at Park Church. If you don’t go to Park Church, then that statement probably means nothing to you. Men’s Boot Camp is:

1) Something men at Park Church do. Not because we are chauvinists, but because it’s not Co-ed Boot Camp. It’s for men.

2) Really, really, really early in the morning, which is a lot of what this post regards.

3) Really, really, really stirring, challenging and inspiring. I almost wish that some women were around just to see how awesome the men in their lives are. But they can’t come. It’s Men’s Boot Camp.

Something that Brian spoke to this morning was the challenge to get a whole bunch of guys to wake up early. Brian is one of the pastors of Park Church, and an all-around okay guy in my book. That’s meant to be taken somewhat tongue-in-cheek, because I’m quite fond of Brian and think he’s a wildly smart dude.

But I digress. The thing that Brian spoke to was the state of prolonged adolescence people in our culture seem completely trapped in. If you want a better idea of what I’m talking about, I recommend reading Kevin DeYoung’s Just Do Something. DeYoung does a great job of addressing this prolonged teenage state. I myself have been guiltier than anyone of wishing I was still 17. I’ve put an awful lot of growth and relationships on the line trying to live like I still was.

But the fact of the matter is, 28 is not the new 18. 

Our culture is trying really, really, really, really hard to convince you that it is. And they’ve presented some very compelling reasons why they think it is. 

But it really really really really isn’t. And the longer you live like it is, the longer you’ll stay mired in a place you should’ve left years ago. You’ll miss out on an awful lot of life while you keep playing “just graduated.” 

If you’re a young person, enjoy it. It’s a gift. 

If you’re out of High School and of legal drinking age, guess what? You’re not a college freshman who can legally drink. So stop living out your high school fantasies of how being an “adult” would “totally rule.” Please,

For the love of God, grow up. Help me grow up. Help me leave high school at long last. Help your brothers and sisters stop pretending it’s senior year. Encourage, challenge, or berate them. (Please don’t really, it’s not as helpful as the first 2.) 

But please, let’s all grow up and do something.