Please realize the struggles you feel now – sexual temptations, ambition, and questioning about the authority of God in your life, etc. – do not end in your youth. They only start in your youth. Adults struggle with these issues, too. It is part of our sin nature. In fact, your teenage years are just the beginning of your walk with God. He can successfully master your temptations and ambitions, if you let Him. What better time is there to learn how to handle those temptations than while you are still living with your parents who can and want to help you? They are not the enemy! You have one enemy and that is Satan or the Devil. “Likewise, younger ones, be subject to older ones, and all being subject to one another. Put on humility. For God resists proud ones, but He gives grace to the humble. Therefore be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you. Be sensible and vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour; who firmly resist in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood” (1 Peter 5, 6-9). Let’s review the key points from this Scripture: 1. In humility, listen to your elders. Why? As I have said, they have experienced what you are going through. 2. God will stand away from you if you are proud and want to “go it on your own.” 3. If you humble yourself, God will lift you up. In other words, ultimately you will win with God. Now that’s a deal you shouldn’t refuse! 4. Be alert because Satan is prowling around, just like a vicious lion, waiting to find your weakest, most inattentive moment. At that time, he will attack and can devour you. 5. You are not alone. Sometimes as teenagers you do feel alone, or at least that only other teens understand you. Not so, all your brothers (and sisters) in Christ understand, and so do your parents. So let’s sum this up in two sentences: You can proudly go alone and be a tasty meal for Satan. Or you can seek the help of mature Christians and be lifted up by God. He has nothing but love for you. What is the benefit of obeying your parents? The answer is found in the sixth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, as Jehovah your God has commanded you, so that your days may be made longer, and that it may go well with you in the land which Jehovah your God gives you” (Deuteronomy 5:16). This is the only one of the Ten Commandments that has a specific promise attached. Honoring the teachings of your parents is so important to God that He is willing to give you something for obeying this commandment. Also, keep your communication with your parents open and pleasant. Let me share a story that will illustrate this very important point.
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