Teen Talk Devotion: Relish Your Youth

"You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But also know that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it."

~Ecclesiastes 11:9 MSG

It's hard staying true to Christ. Especially in high school, when the level of peer pressure and insecurities are the highest. But I believe this is one of the most valuable times in our lives. This is when we plant the early seeds that will harvest as we grow older. What we do during our youth can influence who we will become for the rest of our lives.

Some people suggest just having fun while being a teenager, and not to worry about trying to pursue a career or begin to develop a certain craft. But this verse clearly states what teenagers are to do - pursue your desires! Draw close to God during this time. Be different. Go for the desires God has placed in your heart. Don't only strive to get into a good college, make great grades and have fun. This is the most valuable time to go for your dreams. But don't forget the last sentence of this verse: "You have to answer to God for every last bit of it."

~~

Thoughts to Ponder:

1. What is something you love to do? Do you love working with your hands and being creative in activities such as scrapbooking, sewing, or drawing? Maybe you're more talented in music or sports. Or perhaps you're skilled in math, science, or technology. Talk to God about these desires and gifts that he has given you. Pray about them. Ask him to remove any desire that isn't of him. If you don't feel as if you have any "gift", pray about it. God has blessed everyone with a gift. Ask him to reveal to you what it is. He won't ignore you.
2. How can you go ahead and begin to pursue this talent? For some authors, it takes years and years before finally getting published. Some people don't even realize their desire to write until college, or even afterwards. It takes time to study the craft, practice and develop it, then look for opportunities to turn this into a career. This doesn't happen over night. Do what you can now! Are you into sports? Practice daily. Make schedules and goals for yourself. Go ahead and start planting the seeds. If you feel like God wants you to begin pursuing this, then ask him to open doors so that you can develop and use your craft. He will lead you and give you favor at the right places and at the right times - but only as long as you stay close to him.
3. Are you letting teen difficulties effect your lifestyle? Teenagers feel things deeply. It feels like the end of the world when a boy dumps you, or when your best friend stabs you in the back. Don't let drama like this keep you from pursuing your calling and your relationship with God. Be different from the other kids. Satan will try his best to put difficulties in your way to keep you from fulfilling God's will for your life. Just trust God, and continue the path that he has given you.

~~

Q4U:

When we were very young, we were asked the question "What would you like to be when you grow up?" Think back to that time. What did you want to be when you grew up? A firefighter? A singer? Now answer this question again. What would you like to be when you grow up? Is it the same answer as before?