What Every Young Person
Should
Know
Even though I think I'm still young,
I'm constantly reminded that's not the case anymore. Teenagers call me "sir". I
don't have near the energy or stamina I used to have. Roller coasters don't like
me anymore. I have 3 kids. But I still remember what it was like to be young,
and looking back on my youth, I can see how my perspective on many things has
changed dramatically, and I wish I had known then what I know now. Allow me to
share some things that I wish I had known or realized at that age that are
extremely important for every young
person.
First, being popular in school is
really not that important. I don't mean you shouldn't want to be liked, but
being the right kind of person is what's important. Following Christ's example
is what we should do, and that may mean we're viewed as different, strange,
weird. We may not have as many friends as others because we don't talk like they
do, dress like they do, go where they go, do the things they do. In fact, we
probably will be made fun of at times (1 Peter
4:3-5).
Having friends is important, and
while you're young you'll make friendships that last a lifetime. However, choose
your friends wisely. Remember what Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:33: "Do not be
deceived: evil company corrupts good habits." We are so easily influenced
by others, especially when we're younger. You need to surround yourself with
friends who have the same morals as you do. Temptations are constantly
bombarding you, so choosing the right friends will help you stay on the right
path.
Of the friends you make as you go to
school or church, you'll find one you might want to start dating. Lisa's
grandfather told me what he always told his kids: "Don't date someone you
wouldn't be willing to marry." The point is, if you can't see yourself married
to that person, stop dating. In fact, don't even go out on the first date with
someone you know is not marriage material. It's vital you marry someone who is a
Christian. I've seen too many instances of wrecked marriages and unfaithful
children as a result of one of the spouses not being a Christian. Dating someone
who does not have the same spiritual goals can influence us even more than our
friends.
During the teenage years, hormones
are raging wildly, and many times they get out of control. One of the most
dangerous aspects of this is sexual temptation. Considering the fact we live in
a society that promotes a lascivious and immoral lifestyle, it makes it very
difficult to remain pure, which is why you need to remember what Paul said in 1
Cor. 6:18: "Flee sexual immorality." Notice he uses the word "flee".
That's most appropriate because we have to do that sometimes - literally run
away from the temptation.
Sexual temptations are very powerful
and sometimes it takes every bit of strength and discipline to not succumb to
Satan's fiery darts. As you're dating, you should both agree to remain pure and
holy, not defiling yourself with sin. Be up-front about it; talk about it; pray
about it; study about it. If you do these things, you'll be able to overcome
those
temptations.
Last, but certainly not least,
remember who you are. We are servants of the most high God, which is the most
important thing in our life. Everything previously stated is undergirded by this
one truth. All the decisions we make should be based upon His law. Our time here
is short, but eternity is forever. Consequently, we need to make decisions with
the understanding they affect our eternal destination. Also, since this is the
most important thing in our life, shouldn't we spend more time in learning,
studying, praying, serving? If you want to be a professional baseball player,
you have to spend countless hours taking ground balls, fly balls, throwing to
first base, and batting practice. What about being a Christian? If we don't put
our nose in the Book and study and practice, we're not going to be very good at
it. If you can spend hours doing homework, hours playing video games, hours
playing sports, then you can also spend time with His
word.
Hopefully, you are already practicing
these things. I'm sure you've heard all this before, but as Peter said in 2
Peter 3:1, I'm "stirring up your pure minds by way of reminder." Being a
teenager is fun, but it is also difficult. Put the Lord first and remember these
points, and you'll soon realize being right with the Lord is more important than
being popular at school, having lots of friends, or engaging in sin that might
seem fun at the time. As I was once told, this life is a probationary period to
see if we're fit for eternity with God. Let's all make sure we see each other
again after this probationary period is
over.
---Marshall
Reid