What’s your age (II)?

 

The youth

1Jn 2:13,14: “...I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. 14 …I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one…”

This period can be divided into two: adolescence and young adult age.

Adolescence is the age of rebellion and contestation. It’s an age when we believe we are equal to adults because of little hairs on our chin or little lumps on our chest. An age when we think parents are old –fashioned and can’t talk sensibly. It is a period when every experience –especially the bad ones- is good because one needs to discover things and not stay stupid. Teenagers also tend to have a higher opinion of who they really are. They like boasting about their achievements, like gossiping and are usually very hard with those who are not part of their circle.

In church, this corresponds to the brother or the sister who has prayed for someone who has been healed or delivered and they are now convinced they have a great healing/deliverance ministry… It is those who spend their time criticizing the leaders’ decisions: ‘‘I don’t think we should be fasting this week;’’ ‘‘I’m not convinced we need a second service;’’ ‘‘No Bible verse forbids me to go clubbing or have a boy/girlfriend;’’ ‘‘You are too spiritual!’’ It is also those who spend more time talking about the sins and trespasses of others, instead of talking about what works and edifies them in the church.

Teenagers should remember that we are instructed not to think too highly of ourselves (Rom 12:3) and to love our brethren; and love covers a multitude of sins and doesn’t recall them: there is no love in gossips. The Lord wants the word that is preached and taught in church to abide in them and renew their mind so that they can overcome the evil one.

The young adult

This age is characterized by strength and passion. It is an age when one begins to be responsible; an age when people determine what they want to become in choosing their field in university; they start working, paying bills and thinking about marriage and kids. The young adult knows where he is going and usually does everything to get there.

It is the zealous age and in the church, these are the Joshuas: those who lift and sustain the arms of their leaders until Amalek, the enemy and evil one is defeated because they love spiritual welfare. They are of all the missions. As teenagers, they used to grouse and balk when it came to service; but they now love to be given things to do. They are always behind the pastor –their model- to find out the secret of his anointing. They are passionate about the things of God and need no booster to come to church, read the Bible, pray or fast: they have overcome the evil one and his tricks.

If you are a teenager, you have not overcome the devil yet and are still at great risk of losing your precious and priceless faith. Walk in the Spirit, be led by Him and He’ll take you to the next phase: the young adult. If you are already a young adult, it is great; but there is more...

At this time of the year, it is good to refocus and re-align our perspective. Why don’t you do so by reading or re-reading the postings on God’s absence and provision?

God bless you with a great and fruitful week: He is GOOD.