Just Another Number? Not to me.

Well, I'm a 1 week veteran of the age 18 years old. I've had a lot of people ask me, "So, how does it feel, you know, being 18 and everything?" They act like I became the president or something. I will say this, most of the change has been a mental change. I'm not a legal child anymore. But honestly, that doesn't mean much either. I was put in a position at an early age where I just had to grow up; there were too many things to do, responsibility was expected, and there was no time for foolishness.

I do, however, like to take time to cherish certain moments in my life. I did just that at about 6:30 a.m. down at the pond on my birthday. Society has some crazy ideas about what being 18 years old means. Well, I wrote some things down that I will share with you here. This is what 18 means to me:

First, a time of reflection. A time to look back at what God has done for me and what I've done for God. I believe in what I call "Self Evaluation." Paul said to "examine yourself..." When I sat out on that 8 foot dock, I thought, "how have I measured up?" Not to this world, mind you. I don't measure anything I do by the foolishness that you'll see on the television or at the public school. I like to measure up to my potential for God. Have you ever thought about the potential that God has given you the responsiblity of working with, and how you've measured up to it thus far? I want God's best for me, and I know he does too. Lord, help us to live up to our potential for you.

Next, it's a time for rededication. I know so many young people--kids I grew up with, went to meetings with, played with, laughed with--that lost their dedication to God at the "ripe old age" of 18. Why is it that 18 years old means you're free to commit spiritual suicide with your life because you're an "adult." No, I've seen what happens to kids who take that route, and I believe the far country was in their heart long before they turned 18, and they were just playing a church game. How dangerous!!! Not me. I took this time on November 27 to let God know that I didn't get in this thing just until I had some freedom of my own. If it was good the day I got saved at 5 years old, it's good the day I turned18 years old. If I can trust God to save my eternal life, I can surely trust him to lead my earthly life. The world may despise it, wimps for modern-day boys may not understand it, but it's the battle I chose, and it's the battle that chose me; I'm in this thing for the long haul!! I'll lay down my sword at the finish line! Until then, as General Jackson of the Confederate army would urge his men in battle, "Press on! PRESS ON!!!"

Lastly, it's a time for resolve.

I Am Resolved
by Palmer Hartsough, James H. Fill­more, Sr.

I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior, faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living Way.

I am resolved to enter the kingdom, leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still will I enter in.

I am resolved, and who will go with me? Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit, we’ll walk the heav’nly way.


The song says it better than I ever could. I am resolved!!

A time of reflection, rededication, and resolve. That's what 18 means to me!