Do you remember this scene from It’s a Wonderful Life? I think of that often…especially at the age of 60…when I realize I have a lot fewer years left than I have lived.
I also realize I WOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT WANT TO BE A YOUNG PERSON LIVING IN TODAY’S WORLD! I mean…I have enough temptation as a 60-year old man without the seemingly unlimited exposure and seemingly uninhibited morals of our culture. I have a grandson whom I have prayed for every day since I found out Janna was pregnant. I pray for his heart to belong to the Father at all times.
We also hear the statement “The young people of today are the church of tomorrow.” I beg to differ. They are also the church of today. Study anything about the Millennials (born after 1980) and they are a unique bunch. But they are also presented unique opportunities/challenges I never had. Same temptations mind you, but more blatant.
Ryan, our youth pastor, and I will be team preaching the message Sunday. The message will focusing on being youth of values. I’ll be opening it with an emphasis on I Timothy 4: 6-16. Ryan will be following it up by talking about his ideas and plans for growing the young people in their faith. My part is simple:
#1: Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. [v.7a] Filters need to be on HIGH these days.
#2: Discipline yourself for godliness. [v.7b] Discipline in the Greek is “to train.” Pursue spiritual growth.
#3: Model a Godly Lifestyle. [vv.12-14] This is tough for all ages, but especially young people. They don’t want to be left out or stick out.
#4: Pay close attention to yourself and your ministry. [vv.15-16] The words used in these verses speak of vigilance.
Any to add? Feel free to make any suggestions. There is still time for me to add/change! 🙂
Great advice for all of us
i agree. It is for me.
Perhaps this is part of your last point, but it is important for young folks to be able to properly handle peer pressure. Smoke this, swallow this, snort this, drink this. Nobody wants to be made fun of or thought of as uncool, but there is a skill to not being an outcast and handling temptation. I try to teach my daughter to remember who she is when she is around others who do not share her values or who try to get her to go against what she has been taught at home.
You make a good point Daniel. I would put it as part of 3 & 4.
Admit when you have failed.
Who me? 🙂 Just kidding Susan. That is a big must.
I never saw that movie… but I grasp the point. It just hit me what I need to add to my girls along with all other youth; know God’s word, study with dedication to ensure the vigilance. That is the whole of the armor needed by us and our youth.
You haven’t seen “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Oh man! You need some movie edumacation. Your “add on” is a good one Floyd.
I’ll be praying for you both as you bring this message to your church. I pray all the time for my sons future friends and wife (as well as for my son).
There is nothing new under the sun, yet things are different now. Technology has made our world smaller, has given people easy access to things they used to have to go out of their way to find.
I began praying for my girls early on. I began praying for my grandson the moment I heard he was expected. You are right TC, there is nothing new under the sun.
What an extra-tough time to be a yute, these days.
Thanks for reaching out to them.
For sure on the first, and you’re welcome on the second.
From Sally:
It has recently been brought to my attention (by a woman in charge of the women’s ministry at Sherwood Oaks Christian Ch) that she/they feel that each person should have a “mission statement” for their life! I had never thought about that. But I can see where that would be a great guide to finding your purpose and direction, keeping you on the right track with the gifts God has given you and the work he has for you in your place in this world. I can also see where getting young people to consider this would be a good thing, too. Values, discipline and vigilance–tough things to maintain. But thanks (you and Ryan) for getting these kids to think about them.
Sally
It is my honor to be given the chance to do that Sally. Praying we reach at least one.
Keep the focus on God’s Word. The culture tries to tell us that it isn’t relevant to young people. It’s the only thing that IS.
You are SOOOO right Melanie.
Live what we preach to them…and the rest of what you and others wrote. This is an important message, will be praying for you and the teens of your church.
Good advice Betty. Thanks.
I am so blessed just hearing about your sermon plans to minister to the youth. I love kids and know it has to be so hard for them. Praying with you and for you! God bless!
Appreciate your prayers Deb. More than you know.
Maybe my comments are kinda biased (and perhaps this is lumped under #2), but I think one crucial thing for youth to grasp is the power of this time in their lives to invest in themselves and in eternity. I would give almost anything to get all those hours back I wasted on TV and video games!
My youth was not wasted on TV & video games (there was no such thing back then), but there plenty of other things (sports being one). This is a tremendous time for youth to realize their promise.