The world can be very confusing for teenagers, we are growing up in a context of moral change, in which the most pressing challenges and major cultural criticisms are constantly changing and conflicting, we see scandals, terrorism, Trump, a new sexual and intense ethic. racial tendencies So we think: what should I think of all this?
Secular society gives its answers, which are never compatible with the Christian worldview.
I see a better tool to find answers to the questions of Christian adolescents, like me: theology.
I’m sure you know what theology is, but sometimes people have blurred visions of certain words because of past experiences, I want you to know that I’m talking about the simplest definition of theology: God’s study.
As a disciple of Jesus, I believe that studying God’s character is what teenagers need to face our terrible and complicated world. This is what will give us hope to face our future, to have a firm commitment to God’s truth.
Let me explain to you how theology answers our great questions and responds to our greatest needs. Of course, this will only be a brief start, but it’s already the first step.
In the Word of God, we find that God hates evil (Zechariah 8:16-17) and loves the truth, cares for the oppressed and the powerless. He values all lives.
Knowing God’s character also guides adolescents on how to do justice, which prompts us to fight for the oppressed and voiceless and to denounce the injustice we see Shows the importance of stood under God-raised authorities?parents, pastors, teachers and government officials. This feeds our obedience to the word of God as the highest standard of righteousness.
God loves His people unconditionally (Nehemiah 1. 5; John 16. 27). He shows no favoritism and his love is never selfish, nor can he stop or exhaust, because he is not deserved.
Knowing God’s character forces teenagers to love their neighbor for God’s love for us Does this compel us to love those who are difficult to love?From the Islamic State to those who harass at school, even if they hate sin. Do they force us to fight racism, sexism and the like?These undermine the intrinsic value of all human beings. It compels us to have compassion and mercy.
Because He is supremely perfect and totally separated from us (2 Samuel 22:31), God hates sin (Agos 6:8). Capturing the beauty of your holiness helps adolescents understand our own sin and the need for us to constantly fight it. This gives us a more biblical and realistic perspective of the world. This leads us to repent of our sins and to try to hold ourselves accountable to the oldest and wisest. Does it also show us how to actively seek holiness?on social media, at school, at work, with family and friends, and from all walks of life.
God is not chaotic, capricious, and unpredictable; perfectly controls the universe (Acts 2. 23). Knowing God’s attributes means that teenagers don’t be discouraged by the world. When politics seems desperate, when terrorists attack or when we receive an unfair note, teenagers can be satisfied in these circumstances, because God When we ask, “Why is this happening to me?”or “Does God care about my life?” his sovereignty is our answer. Lewis explained this:
“Now I know, Lord, why don’t you answer me. You’re the answer itself. In front of your face, doubts disappear. Is there another answer that satisfies you?”
God is not evil. He’s not a spoiler, playing with our lives, like in a cruel board game (Mark 10:18). He is completely good, totally friendly and always does what is right and what is best for us.
Knowing God’s character gives adolescents a solid stone for faith during suffering. Teenagers can have peace in the face of an uncertain future. We can be sure of our salvation and fight the pressures induced by doubt. We can trust god in our confusions, problems, and failures with unwavering security of his goodness.
I’m 18 years old. I’ve studied and learned theology all my life. He provided me with a few things: a rich relationship with God; a stronger and submissive relationship with my parents greater discernment in relationships with my friends; A more uplifting approach to social media; a burning desire to do my best in school; A biblical worldview; A greater vision of my future, a greater passion for following God, at all cost.
I want this life for all teenagers, and I think you do too. So parents, pastors, young leaders, church members, please show us theology. Most of all, we must Dieu. Il that is the answer to our doubts, the solution. to our problems, who deserves our worship and trust.
We need it, which means we need to know
Which means we need theology.