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| What
Every Young Person Should Know |
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| Marshall
Reid |
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Even
though I think I’m still young, I’m constantly reminded that’s not
the case anymore. Teenagers call me “sir”. I don’t have near the
energy or stamina I used to have. Roller coasters don’t like me anymore.
I have 3 kids. But I still remember what it was like to be young, and
looking back on my youth, I can see how my perspective on many things has
changed dramatically, and I wish I had known then what I know now. Allow
me to share some things that I wish I had known or realized at that age
that are extremely important for every young person.
First, being popular in
school is really not that important. I don’t mean you shouldn’t want
to be liked, but being the right kind of person is what’s important.
Following Christ’s example is what we should do, and that may mean we’re
viewed as different, strange, weird. We may not have as many friends as
others because we don’t talk like they do, dress like they do, go where
they go, do the things they do. In fact, we probably will be made fun of
at times (1 Peter 4:3-5).
Having friends is
important, and while you’re young you’ll make friendships that last a
lifetime. However, choose your friends wisely. Remember what Paul said in
1 Cor. 15:33: “Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits.”
We are so easily influenced by others, especially when we’re younger.
You need to surround yourself with friends who have the same morals as you
do. Temptations are constantly bombarding you, so choosing the right
friends will help you stay on the right path.
Of the friends you make as
you go to school, church, or camp, you’ll find one you might want to
start dating. Lisa’s grandfather told me what he always told his kids:
“Don’t date someone you wouldn’t be willing to marry.” The point
is, if you can’t see yourself married to that person, stop dating. In
fact, don’t even go out on the first date with someone you know is not
marriage material. It’s vital you marry someone who is a Christian. I’ve
seen too many instances of wrecked marriages and unfaithful children as a
result of one of the spouses not being a Christian. This doesn’t mean
you have to only date Christians. One of our duties as a Christian is to
teach the lost, and if you can date a non-Christian and help teach them
the truth, then that’s wonderful. However, be prepared to stop dating if
that person shows no interest in spiritual matters, or is unwilling to
submit to Christ. Dating someone who does not have the same spiritual
goals can influence us even more than our friends.
During the teenage years,
hormones are raging wildly, and many times they get out of control. One of
the most dangerous aspects of this is sexual temptation. Considering the
fact we live in a society that promotes a lascivious and immoral
lifestyle, it makes it very difficult to remain pure, which is why you
need to remember what Paul said in 1 Cor. 6:18: “Flee sexual immorality.”
Notice he uses the word “flee”. That’s most appropriate because we
have to do that sometimes…literally run away from the temptation. Sexual
temptations are very powerful and sometimes it takes every bit of strength
and discipline to not succumb to Satan’s fiery darts. As you’re
dating, you should both agree to remain pure and holy, not defiling
yourself with sin. Be up-front about it; talk about it; pray about it;
study about it. If you do these things, you’ll be able to overcome those
temptations.
Last, but certainly not
least, remember who you are. We are servants of the most high God, which
is the most important thing in our life. Everything previously stated is
undergirded by this one truth. All the decisions we make should be based
upon His law. Our time here is short, but eternity is forever.
Consequently, we need to make decisions with the understanding they affect
our eternal destination. Also, since this is the most important thing in
our life, shouldn’t we spend more time in learning, studying, praying,
serving? If you want to be a professional baseball player, you have to
spend countless hours taking ground balls, fly balls, throwing to first
base, and batting practice. What about being a Christian? If we don’t
put our nose in the Book and study and practice, we’re not going to be
very good at it. If you can spend hours doing homework, hours playing
video games, hours playing sports, then you can also spend time with His
word.
Hopefully, you are already
practicing these things. I’m sure you’ve heard all this before, but as
Peter said in 2 Peter 3:1, I’m “stirring up your pure minds by way of
reminder.” Being a teenager is fun, but it is also difficult. Put the
Lord first and remember these points, and you’ll soon realize being
right with the Lord is more important than being popular at school, having
lots of friends, or engaging in sin that might seem fun at the time. As I
was once told, this life is a probationary period to see if we’re fit
for eternity with God. Let’s all make sure we see each other again after
this probationary period is over.
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Copyright (C)
2008
Southside Church of Christ
All rights reserved.
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