Being an adult means fully bearing the cost, and the consequences, of our own choices.
Unfortunately, many parents today don’t let that happen …
Then wonder why their “grown” kids are such failures at life.
Tragically, I frequently see this as I go into our local jail …
Mostly among twenty-something white boys from middle class families.
Even more tragically, the parents and their churches often continue – out of guilt – to enable their immaturity even when they get out.
It never turns out well.
Do them a favor:
Let ’em fail!
Stop enabling them and let them begin to experience the full, unmitigated consequences of their choices …
Even if it means they go homeless and risk destitution until they begin making mature decisions and start to grow up.
Being allowed to become homeless and nearly destitute will be a great shock to them – and they may initially stumbled badly – but with time I’ve always seen it turn out to be the best thing for them.
For the first time, they learn to grow up and own their own future.
These are not theoretical musings, but how our churches over the years have helped guys from the jail who had no family but needed to grow up.
Today, they all are men of honor and purpose.
In the long run, tough love may be the best love you can give.
