I’m glad I’m not a teenager anymore. Things were hard enough for me-I had enough problems without cell phones, internet and “sexting”. When you’re 17, you feel invincible. Life is good, it’s just getting started. Your friends and social life are motivating factors in all your decisions. I know; I remember all too well those feelings. I remember living somewhat recklessly; not realizing my decisions of my youth would greatly impact the rest of my life. I always thought after those reckless nights, “Someday I’ll go to church.” “Someday I’ll get married and have kids.” Well, by the grace of God I did “find Jesus” (as my old friends teased–but actually Jesus found me). And I did get married, and have 3 beautiful children. But the times of my past, even though I know I am forgiven, often creep into my mind.
I remember working with a beautiful girl who made a bad decision one night. She drank too much and agreed to do one of those “Girls Gone Wild” video. That video has made her life tremendously difficult. I remember talking to her about the pain it caused her–her family, friends, the gossip, the shame…..She tried to let it go, get on with her life, but because it was caputured on video, the nightmare perpetuated for her year after year; and I believe it probably still does to this day.
The decisions we make as teenagers affect us for the rest of our lives. When you are faced with these decisions, I pray you will stop and think.
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
For those of us who have already made bad choices, remember that their is forgiveness in Christ. His love and mercy flow freely to all who believe in Him…