Tough Questions Teens Ask (3 of 3)

We are closing out the series on Q & A sessions with students. I learn so much listening to students. I learn by the questions they ask, the language they use, and their response to answers and discussion.

Here’s another set of questions from teenagers in one of our recent Q & A sessions:

Where should I start reading in the Bible?

I love this. I have said many times that we cannot simply tell young people they have to pray, or worship, share their faith, or read the Bible. We have to show them how … to give them practices that protect the principles. It’s not enough to give them the principle. We must help them with practices.

First, I like sending them to a Proverb daily and a topic of study for a month. For instance, reading the Proverb for the date will help them with content for every day of the month.

Here’s another way to help students with their faith formation.

Second, direct them to study a topic such as ‘worship’ for the month. This creates a reading and a study system that is easy to follow. Do you remember when Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness in Luke 4? He was tempted with physical/food, possessions, and power. Just like you and me. But how did He fight against Satan? He chose the Word.

Hear me … if Jesus needed the Word to overcome temptation, then you and I do also! Our students need daily content like reading in the Proverbs, and, topical material to study.

Here’s the final question in our series with teenagers and their tough questions:

My family is really bad. What should I do?

I believe the number one problem in America today is the breakdown of the family. There are many problems in teen culture and American society today - materialism, idolatry, drugs/alcohol, racism, social media, humanism and progressive education, etc.

But, the family is foremost. Because it is the greatest solution to the problems we face. A healthy family is the key to raising healthy children who then create healthy societies.

Frederick Douglass said “ It is much easy and cheaper to build healthy children than it is to repair broken adults!”

Here are 4 practices of a Christian teenager in an unhealthy family:

1. Pray - daily prayers will build up a bank account or fill the bowl (Revelation 8) AND will give you the right attitude AND change the setting you are in … Listen to everyone and build your prayer list!

2. Serve - you can create a great relationship with your parents and siblings by service because it is the love language of humanity … it’s as simple as doing your chores, making your bed, and taking out the garbage! These duties done with obedience and a great attitude could be the beginning of something great in your home.

3. Peacemaker - seek the peace and welfare of your family by solving problems and not creating them … be positive and encouraging (don’t argue!)

4. Love always - put on the mind of Christ, the fruit of the Spirit, and the heart of God and example Christianity in front of them! Every day you can create a selfless culture or atmosphere in the home through acts and words of kindness and affection!

Finally

We must build youth ministries that are not afraid to do Q & A. To listen to students. And learn through dialogue. To build youth ministries that have the answers to the questions young people are asking.

I do not want the answers to the questions nobody is asking.

Join us again next week right here for another YTH resource … Check the linktree in the socials so you can read, listen, and watch in all our social platforms.