CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE DISTINCTIVE
As parents and leaders of New Life we need to teach the children and youth that Christians are to be distinctive. I Pet. 2:9 “But you are chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, God’s own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ” When they leave home, we want our children to be ready to stand for the values of our Father. Being a Christian means being distinctive in certain areas:
1. Moral Values–Biblical standards do not change. Eph. 5:3 “But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity (of lustful,rich, wasteful living) or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God’s consecrated people).” We expect too little of our children. They are not animals. If we can ecnourage kids to say “no” to drugs, we can encourage them to resist pre-marital sex, alcohol, lying, and cheating.
2. Dress– I Tim. 2:9 “And I desire that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel…” Many parents lack the courage to draw the line when it comes to their children’s apparel. Children do not have to dress like oddballs, but there are lines of decency that wise parents must enforce.
3. Speech–Col. 4:6 “Let your speech at all times be graceious (pleasant and winsome, seasoned as it were with salt, (so that you may never be at a lose to know how you ought to answer (who puts a question to you). Obscene gestures and speech from young people are more and more common. We must not only teach them right from wrong but also be positive examples in our speech.
4. Attitude–Col. 3:17 “And whatsoever you do (no matter what it is) in word and deed do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in (dependence upon ) His Person, giving praise to God the Father through him.” It is popular to have a lousy attitude and whine and complain about everything. Christians should be leaders in positive attitudes.
5. Self-esteem– I Cor. 6:19,20–“Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives wthin you, Whom you have received (as a Gift) from God? You are not your own. You were bought with a price (purchased with a preciousness and paid for -made His own). So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.” To resist the crowd young people must overcome their insecurities and have a valid self-esteem. The only thing that gives you worth and value in this life is your relationship with God. We have worth because of who we belong to and not because of who we are. from FIND US FAITHFUL by Bob Russell