How Old Are YOU?

In a parent/child relationship, the child relates to the parent in strikingly different ways throughout each stage of life.

In your relationship with God, how old are you? At what stage of life would you say you are?

How do you relate to God, your Father?

As a child?--Full of awe and faith, not really analyzing much.  A child just accepts what you tell them and goes on with life in full pursuit.  Children enjoy being around their loving parents.  They love to play and laugh and take time to smell the roses.  They have not had much of the pressure of responsibilities or the crush of disappointments and emotional pain.  They just love their Daddy.

As a teenager?--Trying to "find themselves" and usually rebellious.  Teenagers begin to think that their way is better than their Father's.  Teenagers also interpret the actions of a protective parent incorrectly.  They believe their parent is keeping something fun or good from them.  They often feel life is unfair.  They still love their Father, but often stretch (if not bust through) the boundaries of their Father's wishes.

As an adult child?--Settled, mature and enjoying the company of their parents.  In the ideal evolution of a functional family, there is nothing else more satisfying then when adult children and their parents have formed a deep, beautiful relationship.  In these situations, both parties enjoy each other's company.  In spite of the occasional questioning of the actions of the parent, adult children come to know and appreciate the wisdom, love, and guidance that has been there all along.  They are secure in their place in the family.  They now see their Father's desire for a rich, genuine relationship with His child and the child desires to have that relationship also.

 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:17-18