Day 9 – Living Boldly: Life Has Losers, and You May Be One

Photo: ©Robert Kneschke via Canva.com

Today’s topic may sound harsh, but it’s an essential truth to embrace: life has winners and losers. I know that you know this, but I want to make it personal to you during this season of practical reflection. Participation trophies and grade inflation may soften the blow during childhood, but adulthood operates by a different set of rules. The self-esteem movement works hard to keep kids’ egos inflated, but life in a fallen world works harder, deflating our egos, making it imperative we know how to live well when fallenness falls on us.

Rick’s 31-Day Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).

Childhood Perks Don’t Last

When in school or playing sports as a kid, you might get extra chances to succeed. Retaking a failed test or receiving a trophy for simply showing up for the game can make life seem more forgiving—and even equitable. But in the adult world, things work differently. Adult mistakes have negative consequences, and sometimes, those consequences stick with you for a long time. Life can leave a mark.

That doesn’t mean failure is hopeless. You can mess up and still recover, but the cost of failure often increases as you grow older. A boo-boo as a kid is a calamity for adults. This harsh truth is why preparing for adulthood now is so critical. The habits you’re building today will shape how you handle the challenges of tomorrow.

Maturity Starts Now

Adulthood doesn’t automatically make you mature. Maturity isn’t about age; it’s about the condition of your heart. Many adults act like kids, and a plethora of kids behave adult-like. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until you’re older to start maturing. These early adult years are like a laboratory where you can experiment with life: try, fail, adjust, and try again.

To fail is not a problem unless you let your failures define and paralyze you. Every successful person became that way by moving down a path strewn with failures. The goal is to flip negative episodes in your life into sporadic successes that eventually become consistent patterns. When you start developing habits of responsibility, discipline, and perseverance, you’ll be ready to handle adulthood when it comes—and it will come whether you’re ready or not.

Life doesn’t wait for you to feel prepared. If you enter adulthood without the tools to navigate it, you will not do well. The way to prepare is to start now. Take stock of your life and your habits. Are you building a foundation for maturity, or are you relying on the safety nets of childhood to carry you?

Time to Reflect

1. What does it mean to prepare for adulthood? Think about the habits and character traits you’ll need to thrive in the adult world. Are you practicing responsibility, humility, and perseverance today?
2. Who’s preparing you for adulthood? Are you seeking guidance from parents, mentors, or trusted adults? If not, who can you ask to walk with you as you navigate this season? What are your plans for growth and maturity?
3. Take some time to pray and ask God to help you see where you need to grow. Surround yourself with people who will challenge and encourage you to mature in Christ. Remember, adulthood isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to glorify God with your life.

Let’s live boldly, preparing today for the challenges of tomorrow.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).