By Emmanuel V. John
Looking at young people today we see some living a pure life because they have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and have purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with any sinful attraction. They are reading their Bibles, praying and participating in Christian fellowship. Their spiritual light is visible in their conversation, conduct, compassion, confidence in the Lord and chastity. Paul said to Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12 NKJV).
However, in these times the tide of peer pressure seems stronger, and many young people are being pulled into the ocean of substance abuse, sexual immorality, pornography and cravings for even more destructive pleasures. Satan’s motive is to destroy their lives; and his method is to deceive them – being the father/originator of lies (Jn. 8:44). He is destructive and deceptive, yet Jesus Christ has already defeated him. Therefore the youth in Christ no longer need to feel as captives, for they are more than conquerors through Christ who loves them (Rom. 8:37).Some Suggestions
Most teenagers desire to be treated as adults rather than children. As a Christian teenager, wherever you are, always recognize
| • Who you are,• Whose you are, and• Where you belong. |
You are valuable and special because your awesome God loves you and you belong to Him. What God knows about you is more important than what others think about you.
Remember where you belong and your true home address. Heaven is your lasting home and you should set your priorities in light of that fact. Always stand for the truth even if you must stand alone. The more of heaven you cherish, the less of earth you will covet, or desire.
Redeem your time by being disciplined in your studies, class assignments, Bible reading and prayer. You must use your time to develop your gift and to dedicate your life to the Lord. You can never go wrong in doing what is right in God’s sight.
Refrain from negative peer pressure and bad company as they can lead you into saying and doing things which seem pleasurable to the flesh but will affect your studies, goals and life in a dreadful way. You should witness to these individuals about the Lord Jesus, but never become like them. Therefore select friends who share your values, can be trusted, will stay with you even when you are in trouble, desire to encourage you and give good counsel. Always be conscious of the presence of Lord Jesus, your best Friend: “A friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17)
Refuse to compromise your moral values or faith in Christ. Instead, choose to take sides with the Lord and His people even though there may be consequences. “Moses when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Heb. 11:24-26). It is better to be faithful than famous.
Rest on the promises of God and maintain open communication with your parents and family. Never forget that God will never forget you. “He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you” (13:5).
If YOU
have received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior …
• You are a child of God – John 1:12
• You are forgiven and justified – Colossians 2:13, Romans 3:24
• You have new life from God – 2 Corinthians 5:17
• You are saved for eternity – John 5:24
• You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13-14
• You have peace with God – Romans 5:1