Dear Teenager Hater...
I was walking along my merry way in Walmart the other day, when I overheard a conversation between two people. I won’t take this time to hint at the gender, age, race, description, history, eye color, food preference, etc. of these two individuals, simply to avoid the very type of hate that I’m ranting about here. I also will admit, before I go on, that I didn’t hear the context of the conversation. I’m really just here to make my point, and move on with my life.
The said conversation involved a comment that went a little something like this, “Today’s teenagers just don’t have any respect for anyone these days. It’s a problem with the whole generation.”
It’s a good thing I was busy, or I might have blown a gasket.
I want to take a moment to redeem the apparently-ruined character of today’s teenagers.
1. There may be a few bad apples. I’m sure there aren’t ANY GROUPS OF PEOPLE that don’t have the same problem.
2. You’re prejudging, which is wrong, so stop it.
3. I have a strong sense of pride of my generation, and those coming behind mine.
You see, we aren’t the types that have a blatant disregard for authority, or a sick sense of pleasure in runing the established order. Today’s teenagers, like anyone else, are in the process of learning how to do life. The very last thing they need is criticism along that path. Those who had a major, positive impact on my life were the ones who invested, not the ones who blindly recklessly me down, out of blind arrogance.
So check yourself, before the next cutting remark leaves your tongue. I have been radically saved by Jesus Christ, and am daily being made more iike Him. That’s a slow process, but I’d like to point out that I’m not seeing many “Walking Jesuses” these days either.
That’s my story. I’m sticking to it. If you’re offended, then comment – I want to hear your thoughts. If you agree, then comment – I’d also like to hear your thoughts. That’s all I got for today!
Psalm 143 In A New Light
Sometimes, when I read the Scripture, it’s life-giving; other times it’s dry. Sometimes, we give it the attention it needs – others, not so much.
And then, every once in a while, I read the Scripture, and it breathes life into me. I mean God comes down and is embracing you, and as you read, you feel the very heart of God moving you. This morning I read Psalm 143. There have been songs written, and sermons taught about this particular song, but today, today it spoke to me in a different light.
For the first time, I think that my heart was exactly where David’s was when he wrote this. I believe that he was experiencing a time in his life in which he knew he couldn’t take another step without God’s blessing – not one, single step. Satan was hard after him, and the powers of this world were closing in on him, and he needed to just kneel and let God fight his enemies. I believe he was crying, sobbing uncontrollably when he wrote this, so much he couldn’t even see the words he was writing, much less having no idea the impact that his writings would have on humanity.
He writes, “Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in You.
May you run to your Creator today. May you take refuge in Him alone.