If you could teach a teen...

[jbarcher]

One point, or one thing, or one whatever...

What would it be?

I would appreciate some replies from the 'non-teens'. If anyone would like to know why I am asking, please PM me and I will tell you. :)

There are no limits to what the range of things can cover. But try to stick to one...another member may post the other one you were thinking of. :angel:

[Bulldog]

Being a teen, I would also like to know. :)

[LuxPerpetua]

Well, this is going to sound cheesey, but it's the best advice I can give:

Strive with every inkling of energy in your veins to love everyone selflessly (respecting their bodies, their possessions, their resources, their feelings) and live totally for God (obeying his commandments, respecting his teachings, loving his church).

. . . um, yes, I think Jesus is the source for this advice but I don't think it's copyrighted ;)

Seriously though, your life will be so much easier, happier, and joyful if you make responsible, Godly decisions. For instance, if you are wondering whether you should smoke or something just remember "My body is a temple . . . would God appreciate me defiling his temple and hurting my health? No." That kind of stuff. None of us is perfect, but if we aim for perfection daily, then we will certainly be closer to the mark.

Peace in Christ always! :)

[Phoebe]

If you wouldn't want anyone to know you did it, don't do it. (especially if you wouldn't want your own children to find out later on)

[Yitzchak]

I am not sure I could limit it to just one. But definitely in the top ten I would place one that my mother gave to me. She taught me to read and taught me a love for learning to go with it. I have found that in college, at my career, in all kinds of ways this reading ability has served me well. I have the ability to educate myself. I am not speaking of bare minimum reading though. I am speaking of being a really good reader.

[Hands&Feet]

I would teach them that Jesus loves them unconditionally and that it is important that they trust Him enough to always be honest with Him about their feelings, doubts, temptations. They must embrace this so they can treat their fellowman in kind. Never judge, just love. Never hide their weaknesses, be honest. People will trust us and our God if we accept them without strings and love them in spite of their transgressions. This is the only Christ who will enable them to overcome their indescretions instead of running from Him because of them. If we have not encountered this kind of uncompromising love from God, we really haven't encountered God in who He really is.

I know that sounds like a lot, but it really isn't if you contemplate it. Just let God love you unconditionally and love others the same. The rest takes care of itself.

[New Creation]

For practical reasons (because of raging hormones), I would really try to impress upon a teen the importance of waiting until God brings you to your spouse to have sex. I would try to let them know how much pain - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, can be reaped from an immature relationship and how God loves them so much that He wants the very best for them, and that is a loving, caring, trusting relationship. One that is so solid that you are not embarassed or ashamed in any way when you are with that person. He wants to protect us from the abysmal hurt He knows that comes with non-sacramental union. God knows exactly what we need and when we need it, He knows us better than we know ourselves and only He can pick the "perfect" person for each of us. Trusting God is just the best advice all around.

[dsdumpling]

This is what I "try" to teach my teenagers (19 & 17). The decisions you make, good or bad, will follow you throughout your life. Make good decisions.

[guitargeek]

For practical reasons (because of raging hormones), I would really try to impress upon a teen the importance of waiting until God brings you to your spouse to have sex. I would try to let them know how much pain - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, can be reaped from an immature relationship and how God loves them so much that He wants the very best for them, and that is a loving, caring, trusting relationship. One that is so solid that you are not embarassed or ashamed in any way when you are with that person. He wants to protect us from the abysmal hurt He knows that comes with non-sacramental union. God knows exactly what we need and when we need it, He knows us better than we know ourselves and only He can pick the "perfect" person for each of us. Trusting God is just the best advice all around.

Exactly what I was going to say, and exactly what I'm going through right now. I started dating this girl when I was 17, and I'm 21 now. Neither one of us cared much for religion. Well, about 6 months ago, she met somone who was saved, and he brought her to the Lord. Unfortunately, I didn't follow right away, and she broke up with me about a month ago because of our differences. She was my first girlfriend, so I had never experienced a breakup before. The emotional turmoil that I experienced was completely overwhelming. I didn't even think that kind of emotional pain was POSSIBLE.

Because of the breakup, I turned to the Lord for comfort, which is why I'm here now.

So, yeah, trust in the Lord, and you won't have to go through that.

[jbarcher]

Thanks guys! :hug:

The only thing I would mention is that, for instance, I don't know what a good decision is. :D

[JOYfulbeliever]

If you keep God as your center, your faith and trust is in Him and Him alone, everything else WILL fall into place. His Plan is perfect, even when it seems like it isn't...

[artybloke]

The only thing I'd "teach a teen" is where the off-switch was on the stereo.

[ej]

I have experience with teens... and it showed me that it is difficult to 'teach' because they do not want to learn. A lot of teens believe they are the ultimate source of all knowledge :)

The best move is to be there for them when they make a mistake, experience a new thing, and want reassurance / advice / guidance.

[Jim B]

If you could teach a teen...
Can you teach a teen? Having raised one, this is news to me.

\o/

[dsdumpling]

The only thing I'd "teach a teen" is where the off-switch was on the stereo.
I think God inspired head-phones!

[Phoebe]

Thanks guys! :hug:

The only thing I would mention is that, for instance, I don't know what a good decision is. :D
That's what your parents are for. ;) You can talk to them. They're human, contrary to poular belief. :D

Before making a major decision, you need to allow yourself to visualize the outcome.
Example: It may be fun to drive your car around the school parking lot with your friend on the hood, but how do you explain it to your parents, the friend's parents, and your insurance agent when your friend rolls off of the hood, and you run over them before you have time to hit the brakes?
Maybe you don't run over your friend, but a police cruiser drives by and sees you? Your friend's parent? Your parents?
Is it acceptable risk?

[ethereal hope]

I think I would have saved myself a LOT of trouble if I would have known how well the Old Testament meshes with the New Testament, and how required it is in order to truly understand the New Testament and Jesus. As a child, I had avoided hearing too much about sacrifices and even prophecies, because they sounded mean and heartless. Being a "sheltered" American teen (one who never sees animals killed for food), these things can read pretty harshly if you don't have a someone to push you through the reading.

I could have been at peace with God a lot sooner in life, had I read the Old Testament earlier in life. (And if you're old enough to handle Beowulf, the OT won't be a problem.)

[Henhouse]

The thing I try to teach the teens (and adults) I meet, is the sufficiency of scripture. God has given us the answers, all we have to do is look. If a person really believes in the Bible (and actually reads it) they will grow towards perfection.

[jbarcher]

Cool. Sorry for being so late to respond, but thanks for all the answers. :)

And, um, IMO, you can teach a teen.