Have any of you ever heard statements like that? While it is true that some teens make wrong choices and derail their lives, it is not always the case. What's more, there's clear Biblical teaching that it surely doesn't have to be the case. The Bible gives us examples of young people who, in all actuality, had better discernment and wisdom than many of the adults in their day.
One such example was David. Destined to be Israel's King, David had humble beginnings. He loved God even from his youth. As a teenager, he walked with God and made tough decisions to keep himself pure. Already in this blog we've covered Joseph, a teen chosen to spare the lives of his people simply because he was usable. Then, there's Timothy. Timothy was New Testament Christian whose Godly foundation was secured by his mother and grandmother. Timothy knew what it was like to face persecution for his faith. Perhaps he faced many of the same trials that some of you face. Yet, Timothy had such a walk with Christ that he is mentioned many times by the Apostle Paul. With the many fellow laborers Paul could have mentioned, he chose Timothy. Paul had taken Timothy under his wing and was mentoring him, so to speak. Though the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother are mentioned, apparently Timothy's father didn't share the Christian faith. Paul chose to make an impact in this teen's life because he saw a need. Is there an adult that has taken you under their wing to mentor and shape your walk with Christ? Thank God for them because surely God has brought them to your life to deepen your faith.
Paul writes to Timothy to,
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. I Timothy 4:12
It's obvious that Paul didn't share the philosophy that teens must sow their wild oats. He didn't buy into the theology that in order to keep kids from the world, you have to let them experience the world. Sounds pretty dumb when you see it in writing, doesn't it? But, that is the stand many parents and youth leaders have taken.
Keep yourselves pure, girls. Be an example for this lost world. Don't believe the false teaching that to win the world, you have to be like the world. Rather remember this: You must be in the world but you don't have to be of the world.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 8
Revelation 15
I have always loved the saying you must be in this world but you don't have to be of this world, I feel it's so important!
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