Foundation Being Laid!

Some time ago as I was having a conversation with a retired school principal in our area, he asked me the names of my children who had gone through the school system here. He stated he did not recall them, but that was not a bad thing because it meant they were not students who had spent time in his office. Then he mentioned with some sadness the trouble with the law some of those who did spend time in his office had continued to encounter following their school years. These were young people who for some reason had not learned to get their life on a good track.

Good parental guidance and good mentors play a significant role in the growth process. However, PERSONAL CHOICES must still be acknowledged. CHOICES made in youth are important. It is in the days of youth that the foundation of acceptance of personal responsibility, character, ethics, learning right from wrong and practicing discretion, etc. is being laid. To fail to recognize respect for boundaries in youth does not help prepare one for stepping out into society and life. Teens, don’t underestimate the importance of a serious focus on the CHOICES you are making now. Don’t think that it is only later that you have to be responsible and that youth is the time for being free and wild. To do so will only mean the ultimate facing of responsibility for the pains and scars of a regretful past.

One of the psalmists expressed the following:
“(5) FOR YOU, O LORD, ARE MY HOPE, MY TRUST, O LORD, FROM MY YOUTH.” ( Psalm 71:5 ESV)

Then dropping down a few verses…
“(17) O God, FROM MY YOUTH YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. (18) So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” ( Psalm 71:17-18 ESV)

Is God’s teaching being accepted? Is that the foundation on which the life is being laid and built upon? Are today’s CHOICES being made based upon God’s Wisdom rather than our own or that of our peers and the world? It is foolish to think there will be time to take care of the important stuff later? Later opportunity is not guaranteed. Also, what is being embeded in the life today may not be so easily changed later on.

Paul exhorted Timothy…
“So flee youthful passions and PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, LOVE, AND PEACE, along with those who call on the Lord from A PURE HEART.” ( 2 Timothy 2:22 ESV)

Listen to Paul’s exhortation. Leave youthful passions behind and instead pursue that which is in accordance with the desires of God. Approaching life in this way will lead to making CHOICES that will provide a later look back with fewer regrets.

Have a great day GROWING UP GOD’S WAY!
Carl

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