As Charles Colson in BreakPoint said, “When J. M. Barrie wrote Peter Pan, the story of a boy who refused to grow up and lived in a place called ‘Neverland,’ he was writing fiction to amuse children.”

Today, however, apparently more and more adults are seeking to model themselves after Peter Pan—not wanting to grow up. As Colson also reported: “A recent article in the New York Times chronicled the emergence of a new cultural trend. Known variously as ‘Peterpandemonium’ or ‘Rejuveniles’ that is characterized by ‘grown-ups who cultivate juvenile tastes in products and entertainment.’”

And says Colson, “‘Peterpandemonium’ extends beyond the mall. A surprisingly large part of the audience for children’s television shows like the Teletubbies are ‘young adults.’ And more people between the ages of 18 and 49 watch the Cartoon Network than watch CNN [news reports].”²

Certainly Hollywood and the media have popularized and glorified the youth culture. And yet at the root of this “madness” is a growing lack of personal responsibility. Too many of us adults play the blame-game refusing to accept responsibility for the mistakes we make and what we personally contribute to our failures, especially in the area of relationships.

Then there is politics and their blame-game seeking to get votes at pretty much any cost. If business is bad, it’s the other party that’s to blame. If people are not getting the handouts they want, then again, it’s the other party’s fault. It’s a sad state of affairs when the politicians who offer the most handouts get the most votes—instead of the politicians who stand for justice, right, personal responsibility, and the good of all the citizens and the nation as a whole.

And if we adults don’t accept personal responsibility and grow up, what can we expect of our kids?

The reality is that I and only I am responsible for my life. True, I was not responsible for a less than perfect upbringing, but I am totally responsible for what I become. I may even “have been a victim in the past, but if I remain one, I am now a willing volunteer.” Furthermore, while I am not responsible for the circumstances that are out of my control, I am totally responsible for my attitude and for what I do about my situation.

Blaming others for the problems I have, and expecting others to resolve my problems for me, is a handy excuse to hang on to if I don’t want to grow up.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to grow in maturity, emotionally as well as spiritually, and accept responsibility for every area of my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Colossians 1:28 (NIV).

2. BreakPoint with Charles Colson, www.breakpoint.org/bp-home. Commentary #030916 – 09/16/2003