Young People Must GROW!

There’s a common saying: “The youth of today are the church of tomorrow.” While there is some truth to this adage in terms of future leadership within the body of Christ, it’s also a bit of misnomer. The fact is, in God’s eyes, Christian young people are already the church of today!

In trying to determine young people’s proper role in their families and in the church, we should look to Jesus for our example. There’s an enlightening Scripture regarding Jesus as a 12-year-old. Luke 2:51-52 (ESV) says, “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them ... And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Thus he grew mentally/intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. Jesus should be the pattern for young people to model their lives after.

So what is the Christian teenager’s role? It is basically to grow. Using the word GROW as an acrostic is helpful.

G = Godliness. God wants teenager to remember Him in the days of their youth (Eccl. 12:1). Why? They may not have the blessing of a long life. They also develop lifelong habits during their adolescent years. They need a solid foundation of faith to build upon, so that when hard times come in life, they’ll know how to pray and trust in God. Paul exhorted young Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12), “Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Young people need to seek God’s will and direction for their lives. They should set a good example for their siblings, relatives, and even their parents, just like Jesus did.

R = Respect / Responsibility. Young people should show proper respect to their parents. They also ought to display respect and thoughtfulness toward their brothers, sisters, and extended family, treating them how they would like to be treated (like “the golden rule” in Matt. 7:12).

Furthermore, teenagers ought to learn mature responsibility remembering that other people are counting on them. It’s important for them to follow through on their duties and fulfill their obligations to their family and others. They should honor those placed in authority over them, including parents, teachers, coaches, and church leaders. They need to pitch in to help out and serve their family, church, and community. Doing so will bring honor to their family’s name and reputation.

Under the Old Testament, young people were commanded to revere their father and mother (Lev. 19:3), and were subject to severe punishment if they rebelled (Exod. 21:15-17; Prov. 30:17). Jesus reiterated this stringent command in his own teachings (Matt. 15:4).

O = Obedience. It’s appalling sometimes to see how often children and adolescents fail to show proper respect toward adults. The Bible speaks of the obligation of all people to respect those in authority. In Exodus 20:12 (the Fifth Commandment), the need to obey and honor one’s parents is especially emphasized. Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.” Colossians 3:20 says, “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” (Also see Eph. 6:1-3)

W = Work. During childhood and the teenage years is when individuals learn to develop a good work ethic. It’s critically important for our young people to learn how to work hard as well as develop practical skills. This way they will eventually become independent and self-sufficient.

Household chores need to be assigned by their parents. Also, their formal education at school is part of their job. II Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Everyone in the family, including teens, ought to contribute in some way to their family’s overall wellbeing through hard work.

In the Christian home, the adolescent years are a special time to GROW in godliness, respect/responsibility, obedience, and work. Let’s encourage and train up our children in the Lord!