We are a generation who has problems— “issues,” we like to call them. Interesting fact: our culture flaunts its flaws as a way to hide its hurts. Without saying it, today’s society says, “I’ve got issues? Well, that’s okay — you do too, and since no one is really sure how to deal with them, and there doesn’t seem to be a way to get rid of them, let’s just be proud of them.” We readily admit that we have “issues” but they’re so much a part of us that we’re afraid to let them go.
I’m not really talking about the big things. Hey, we know those things are wrong, and if you’ve allowed “big” things into your life, then there are ways to get help and get victory. I’m talking about those “little” choices that we make, allowing ourselves the pleasure of getting annoyed, criticizing others, and lusting. We might know that we’re not supposed to, but we just “have to” make that face, say those words, take another look. That rise in our spirit is an old, familiar friend that we just like too much to say goodbye.
I wonder what impact we might have on the world if we dealt with those “little” things? You all know 1 Timothy 4:12. That word “despise” has the idea of thinking little or nothing of. Have you ever been accused of being “just a teenager” or “acting immature”? That’s what despising is. It’s not necessarily that someone hates you or dislikes you, but you don’t display characteristics of a godly Christian life. So, our “issues” stem from our immaturity as believers – not our immaturity as human beings. I Timothy 4:12 tells us that young people can be “examples of the believers” in six areas. I’ll try to go through them quickly because they’re pretty self-explanatory if you take the time to think about it.
In word: this is what comes out of our mouths. Anything that we communicate through the medium of our mouth is to be characteristic of a Christian: every word, every sound. Do you speak truthfully? Do you represent yourself and others in a fair and honest way? Are you sweet and kind with your words? Do you talk like Jesus would talk? Do you say what He would say?
In conversation: this is your lifestyle, your actions. How you live and what you participate in paint a vivid picture of what you care most about. Do you pursue interests that God has given you? Are you excited about what God is calling you to and are you wholeheartedly preparing for it? Do you live each moment with purpose, or do you wish for today to end, hoping that tomorrow will bring you one step closer to “God’s plan”? God’s plan for your life has already started! In light of that, do you live each day vibrantly? Are you accomplishing what Jesus would accomplish? Do you act like He would act?
In charity: this is your interaction with others. Your relationships aren’t about meeting your own needs. Do your friends know you as someone who cares about them? Do they know you’ll really listen? Do you notice when others are sad or depressed, in need of a friend? Do you show compassion without any thought of repayment? Do you listen like Jesus would listen? Do you serve like Jesus would serve?
In spirit: this is our inward reactions. What you feel on the inside is completely and totally up to you. It’s not seen by anybody else (unless you act on those feelings). Only you and God know if it’s right or wrong. Psalm 51:6 tells us that God wants truth in our “inward parts,” the part that no one sees. Are the same inwardly as you portray yourself? Do you refrain your spirit from getting angry? Do you remain sweet in your heart? Just because you don’t say cruel words doesn’t mean you don’t think them. God isn’t just concerned about whether you say them out loud; He doesn’t even want you to think them. Everything that we just went through (word, conversation, charity), are you the same on the inside? Is your spirit controlled by Jesus?
In faith: this is an inward reaction too, but one that spills over into actions. This is your walk with God and your devotion to Him. Do you know who you believe? Are you steady and confident in God? Are you truly satisfied with Him alone? Do you learn from Him? Are you making changes in your life based on what He teaches you? Do your thoughts match what you say about believing God? Do you trust Him on the inside? Do you desire His presence in your life every moment? Is your trust in God firm and settled?
In purity: this is singleness of mind and heart. Is your pursuit of God your priority? Are you focused on your spiritual walk, or do you get distracted with worldly pleasures? Are you purposed that you won’t defile yourself, even in your mind? Do you watch only what Jesus would watch? Do you interact with the other gender appropriately as siblings in Christ? Do you think what Jesus would think? Is God the only one who matters to you? Are you focused on Him alone?
Our little “issues” are big deals. We can’t be leaders if we allow ourselves the pleasures of sin, even if it’s only for a little while. Being a Christian is life-changing. Every time one of our “issues” comes up, we can choose to be like Jesus. How do we know what He’s like? Well, the very next verse tells us: “give attendance to reading” (I Tim. 4:13). Spiritual maturity always, always, always comes from the Word of God. Plus, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us to remind you about what you learn! During your day, ask Him what He would do, how He would respond. He’s there, and He wants to enable you to live the Christian life. Don’t give people fuel to label you “just a teenager.” Be an example, every day, even when it only matters to you.
Victoria White is a graduate of Baptist College of Ministry and a member of Falls Baptist Church in Menomonee Falls, WI. She has a burden for young people to understand the Bible and to live for God in this world. She has 6 siblings and lives in Germantown, WI.
