8 Sep, 2008
The next time you feel the urge to burp, curse, or throw a tantrum, you just may rethink your method of self expression, or it could land you in jail! When a 19 year old chose to burp in the face of an administrative assistant at the Queensland police station in Australia, he found himself behind bars.
Read more at http://newstrackindia.com
Burping . . . In the face of trouble
1 Timothy 4:12
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)
What does God's Story scripture teach us about how we should be living?
For generations teenagers have felt looked down upon and misunderstood by parents, teachers, and others in the adult community. I've talked to countless teenagers who feel as though people won't listen to them, or give them a chance because their age. As a result, more and more teens are violently lashing out toward those who might oppose them. No longer is respect just given to elders and those in positions of authority, teens believe that their respect must be earned. But this is not the way God wants His children to act.
God reminds us in Paul's letter to Timothy that when others question you or look down on you because you are young, instead of lashing out or getting discouraged, you should set the example. God wants us to be an example of Christ, especially in those moments, in the way you talk, in the way you act, in the way you love, and in the way you live out your faith.
Remember, God has chosen to do some incredible things through teenagers all throughout history! Don't miss what He wants to do through you!
How can we connect God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Take a moment right now to pray and ask God to search your heart. Are there things you need to confess about the way you've been acting toward others? Have you been setting an example for others in your speech, conduct, love, faith and purity? Confess it and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Ask God to help you be a better example - to show grace to those who look down on you and treat you poorly. Go to those whom you may have disrespected recently and sincerely apologize - ask for their forgiveness.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- The next time you feel disrespected or treated unfairly, take a deep breath . . . (don't forget to exhale!) . . . and find a way to respond in love. Walk away if need be, but set the example for what is Godly and what is right.
- Go out of your way to do something for someone whom you know has a preconceived idea about young people - maybe their only interaction with teenagers has been with people like the boy in the story above. Show him/her that teens can be kind, generous, and loving. Take the time to show Christ through your words and actions toward such people.
- Encourage your friends to do the same! Tell them about the story of the guy in Australia and talk about the consequences of his actions. The next time you see each other about to go off at a parent or teacher (or anybody!), pull the other aside and remind him/her that it's not worth it. Positive peer pressure can be extremely effective!
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