The Ages of a Child (cont.)

  Depending on how the parents handled the child stage, the youth will be prepared either to accept their teaching or to reject their advice, way of life, and even them personally. The properly trained child will begin in his youth to operate on his own internal controls as he accepts increasing responsibilities and accountability for himself. A youth who was not caused to come under the control of his parents as a child will rebel more and more violently at any attempt by parents, school, or any other force to restrict his total freedom. The youth who has actually established his own control over the parents will increasingly exercise his dominion over them in order to satisfy his self-centered existence.
The term “adult” is used to describe a son or daughter twenty years old or older. Biblically, the adult male became fully accountable to God and the nation, including accountability for military draft and taxes, at twenty. The adult female still remained under the protection and leadership of her father until she was given in marriage.
No longer a youth, the adult has come to the end of the training period. The youth who has been properly trained and is now in adulthood will continue to honor his parents, and his life will reflect their good training, thereby bringing them great joy. If the parents have also earned his respect for their character and wisdom, the young adult will continue to look to them for advice.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
Today: Deborah Frye
Thursday: Mackenzie Mullins
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY:
Tuesday: Pastor Jim & Robin
Thursday: Dave and Cindy Coakley