Better Now Than Later
I do not like the word “teenager.” Actually, the word “teenager” is not bad in itself. It just has a bad connotation. People usually think of “trouble” whenever they hear the word “teenager.” Some people expect teenagers to be irresponsible and rebellious.
Our culture tells us that since we are merely kids or teenagers, it is okay to be irresponsible and do unwise things. They tell us that we can wait until we are adults to be mature and that for right now, we can just goof off! That is not what the Bible says.
I Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right.”
The Bible says that we should set an example. We should strive to live as God tells us to. We should honor God in the way we interact with our family, in the way we treat others, in the way we speak, and in the way we dress.
If we treat others the way we want to be treated, honor our parents, dress modestly, and do not say bad words, people will most likely notice that we are different. They may even ask why. If they do, we will have an opportunity to share our faith. Besides, we would be living in a way that is pleasing to God which should be our goal.
While we are still young, we have years in which we can serve God without a lot of other things to worry about (i.e. children, bills, etc.). We need to use these years wisely. When I look back at my teenage years, I want to see that I did not waste them. I hope to see that I have made a difference for the better. We all can.
One of the ways we can do this is by realizing and cultivating the gifts God has given us and then using them for His glory. We all have different talents that God has given us and we should ask Him what He wants us to do with them and then do it! We must be seeking His will for our life.
One of the ways we can do this is by realizing and cultivating the gifts God has given us and then using them for His glory. We all have different talents that God has given us and we should ask Him what He wants us to do with them and then do it! We must be seeking His will for our life.
If we do not strive to do what is right and seek God’s will while we are still young, what makes us think we will suddenly be different when we are adults? We need to show that we are different than the world and that not all teenagers are irresponsible and rebellious. We can do this by obeying God and being the young lady He wants us to be.
Can you think of specific ways that different talents can be used to glorify God and serve others?
Can you think of ways we can prepare for adulthood while we are still young?
Wonderful post!
God bless,
Brooke
Sad, but true Alyssa! I will be working on being ‘different’.
Excellent verses and good insight.
The Lord brought this verse to mind while I read this…And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom 12:2).
Good words, Alyssa!
I really liked you article Miss Alyssa!
I will try to be good and not sarcastic!
Emily
Bravo Miss Alyssa!
What an encouragement! My children have been hesitant to become teenagers because of the negative things they here. Thanks for a vote of confidence from a peer. We look forward to reading more from you!
Mrs. Christensen