One of the most exciting things about being a youth is that you can do so much in those years. Some people use those times to engage in secular entertainment, adversely affecting them later in life. Others use those years to know God more intimately, which pays off later in life. Choices are more powerful than what statistics say. So, to you, as a youth reading this, what are you doing with your life?
The Bible cautions that a believer in Christ should not do anything that will cause another child of God to fall. That means the actions of other people who have been in the faith for quite a while and matured spiritually have an influence on others.
Anybody who isn’t born again is in bondage of sin. That person needs Christ Jesus, not motivational seminars or even self-help books. That is why you must preach the gospel because it is God’s power that liberates people from darkness and its holding power. Let the world know about Jesus.
As a believer in Christ, your freedom and liberty are gifts from God to you. That means you can use whatever you want your life for. But not all things will be good for you.
In Christ, you experience a unique freedom that goes beyond just being liberated from sin; it helps you to live in a way that honours God. This freedom empowers you to make wise choices and discern what truly benefits your faith in Christ.
Even though the law of sin works in every unbeliever, one can be set free from sin by God’s deliverance (salvation) through Jesus Christ our Lord. So, if you are saved, you have been set free from sin and its entire consequences. Why? Because Christ Jesus has delivered you from God’s wrath.
We had sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (see Romans 3:23). But God didn’t leave us in that state. No! His love for us transcended beyond our offence against Him. So, what did He do? He made Jesus come to die and take away the sin of the world (see John 1:29, Romans 3:24). Today, because of the redeeming power of Christ’s blood, you are set free from sin as God’s child.
Your usage of your freedom in Christ will constantly be tested, and you must be determined to let God win the battle at every time. You’ll often receive offers, even huge ones, to engage in evil without anyone watching you. But remember, God is with you. So, just as you are called to be free, update your mind to do what the Word says so that God will always be proud of you.
Serve one another in love. Help those God tells you to help, and don’t feel guilty to walk away from things that are of no benefit to your life.
If anybody sets aside God’s gracious work of grace through Jesus and thinks he can obey all the laws of the Old Testament in his own strength, God will judge him based on that. And even if the Israelites couldn’t follow the laws, how much more that person? Accept that you need God and live humbly under His mighty hand.
Only Jesus can give you a meaningful life. Without Him as Lord and Saviour in your life, your life cannot be like how He created you to live. Stick to His principles in His Word. He is with You.
To those who struggle with drinking, whenever the devil tempts you to drink, tell him that God is bigger than that bottle of beer.
