Much has been written and spoken of late on the topic growing up. More particularly, discerning Christians have been giving attention to the cultural phenomenon known as adolescence. For an excellent definition and introduction to this topic, I commend you to Sean Higgin's excellent blog. It is encouraging to see men and women of God calling the next generation to maturity and sober-mindedness.
It is surprising to notice, however, that even unbelievers are starting to recognize the harmful implications of systemic adolescence within our culture. An article in an online magazine (note: I have only read the article quoted in this entry, I cannot vouch for the appropriateness of any other content from this source) recently addressed the problem of "Man-child Syndrome" and a perceived "Big [older] Girl Epidemic." I found the following paragraph to be uniquely insightful and pointed.
As Twenge points out, arrested development goes hand in hand with self-absorption: Narcissism "is a very adolescent personality trait. Obviously it means you focus on yourself and what's good for you." It used to be that men had the ego market cornered, but now, Twenge says, "there's virtually no difference between the sexes with regard to narcissism. Most of the change has taken place in girls and women." Basically, women have caught up to men by sinking to comparable levels of adolescent self-absorption.
The focus of this article was primarily on the current tendency for women to behave like girls - whether through their use of slang, dress, or pop culture associations. I found it particularly interesting that the author observes the tendency as an overcorrection in a "postfeminist" generation.
What an opportunity for the youth of the church to heed the well-known words of 1 Timothy 4:12.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
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