Life is pretty tough at times, isn’t it? There’s pressure on every side to conform to what the world around you wants rather than to what God wants. There’s pressure to wear the “right” thing, “act” the right way, go to the “right” places. Life is not easy. Hebrews 4:15 says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” Again, this verse says Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are.”
YEAH. SURE, you may say…He didn’t have to live in my day, go to my school or be accepted by my friends. How could He even begin to know what it’s like? Because Jesus, being all God, became human by taking on flesh, He allowed himself to be JUST LIKE US. He felt loneliness, He felt abandonment, He felt betrayed, He felt unaccepted, He felt disappointment and heartbreak…He felt DIFFERENT! He was also at one time a Teenager, just like you. He felt every pressure and temptation that you feel. That’s why you can bring everything to Him. He does know what you’re going through. And He cares!
You say “But, I’m too young, I have things I want to do in life, being a Christian is too stuffy and regimented…” How are you different from kids who aren’t Christians? No, I know you don’t have a third eye or six toes on each foot. And no one expects you to dress like your Dad/Granddad. Hey, it’s OK to wear your team jerseys, it’s OK to wear Hollister, Aeropostal, Vans and ball caps…Hey it’s OK to look and act like a teenager! However, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE DIFFERENT!
Scripture tells us “NOW you are the people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). The NOW represents change, newness, an indication that in times past, before the “NOW”, you were NOT the people of God and you were subject to the rule and authority of this world. But, “NOW” you are no longer subject to the rule and authority of this world, BUT you are “NOW” – “a CHOSEN people, a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a HOLY NATION, a people BELONGING to God, that YOU may declare the praises of Him who called YOU out of darkness into His Marvelous Light.” (1 Peter 2:9) Get it? YOU BELONG TO GOD!
Being “Different” as a Christian means making sure that EVERYTHING you do reflects in a positive manner on God.
Be a teen: Be a teen that is kind. Be a teen that is thoughtful towards others. Be a teen that is honest. Be a teen that is trustworthy. Be a teen that has integrity. Be a teen using words: to edify, to equip, to help and to encourage…not to put down or to shame.
Be a teen that can say “NO” because you’ve already said “YES” to Christ!
BE GOD’S TEEN, the very best person you can be!
2 comments:
Your words are so right. Where were you when my kids were teens? Life is so much in the fast lane that teens just don't take the time to stop and look in a mirror, truly look...would they like what they see? Do they look the way they want or the way the rest of their peers look? Would God like what He sees? This also goes for everyone from 5 to 105...Do we really like what we see in our hearts?
Blessings
Cindy
Good post.
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