“ 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.“
1 Timothy 4:12
There is a real tug-of-war between childhood and adulthood and it can be a confusing time. As we struggle and stumble through these years we must realize that God is using this time for a special purpose. Within each us, is a desire to become our own person; and that can be expressed in many ways. As a Christian, the ultimate goal should be to find your identity in Christ. This goal then works out in financial, social, and spiritual independence. However, this is exactly where our human nature flares up. Instead of seeking our identity in Christ we try to replace it by finding our identity in ourselves. Here is where teens come out from under God given authority and attempt to reach “happiness” on their own.
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child…”
Proverbs 22:15
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
1 Corinthians 13:11
From what I have observed, all too often, teenagers are caught between the worldly, stereotype teenager and unclear examples of godly young people. Even in many Christian circles, lines seem to be blurred. Behavioral issues are often labeled as “Part of a typical teenager stage”. Then parents assume that the “phase” is likely to pass and deeper problems go undetected. However, the results of this perspective can be damaging!
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Proverbs 14:12
Let’s backup and define “identity in Christ”. Identity is the fact that you are, who you are. So, finding your identity is, essentially, discovering for yourself who you are. When you are a Christian, Jesus lives in you! Although we still sin, you are no longer a slave to sin because Jesus has taken your sin upon Himself. Thus, your identity, as a Christian, is righteous. Jesus is your identity and His Word, the Bible, is your guide to living. If you haven’t let Jesus come into your heart, please consider this most important decision! You can find some details here.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans10:9
The problem is when young people attempt to reach their own a sense of independence. When this happens with the wrong heart, a person acts in rebellion. An individual needs to know who they are; why they do what they do, and why they believe what they believe. In this process we must remain under the care and guidance of God and the authorities that He has placed over us. As young people, we should take responsibility and become who God has called each of us to be, mature and godly leaders.
How can you know who God wants you to be? On one hand, God has made clear guidelines in His Word, the Bible, on how we should live, but how do we walk it out individually? The answer to this is not simple. In fact, each person is going to be different, and that’s okay, because God has designed each of us for a specific purpose. That purpose is going to vary from person to person. However, God has laid out principals by which we all should follow. Read God’s Word to gain insight into His plan for your life!
In conclusion, God has great plans for your life! You are living in an crucial part of your life. The decisions that you make today will effect your future and those around you. Make your life glorify Christ in all that you do!
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
