There is an adage that goes something like this: "Youth is wasted on the young" I think that there is some wisdom in that statement.
Paul speaks to his Padawan (for all the Star Wars fans) Timothy and says that he mustn't let people look down on him because he's young - and you're thinking Ja, sure... pff what are the chances of that happening? But Paul tells him how immediately afterwards. And this is the important part - we all want to be someone, don't we? We want people to take us seriously, to listen to us, to care that we exist... right? Well, Paul tells us how. He says this: "set an example... in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." Hmm easy huh? Well, not really but is anything in life that is worth something easy? Think about it.
So you look around at the world and see what a fantastic job (not) the adults have done and you're like, "Why do they (adults) expect me to do something when they can't even do it themselves?" Well, you see we're not supposed to try and live up to the world's standards - you're aiming too low if you do - and you're probably going to get what you're aiming for. Our standard is much higher... its God's Standard... which is much harder but MUCH better and the cool thing is that we're not expected to do it by ourselves... well... 'cos it's impossible. But that's the cool thing - we have The Holy Spirit to help us!
You see, that's the only way Paul, Timothy, you or I can do it. God wants to build up a new generation of people. THAT'S YOU by the way. He wants you to be the best son/daughter that you can be. But more than that I strongly believe that He wants you to start now to prepare to become the best husband/wife that you can be. And the best mother/father you can be too. You see the cornerstone of society is the family. If you have families running the way God designed them to, then society naturally follows suit because what makes up society? People, right? And where do people come from? Families, right? So, get the family right and you've gone a long way to getting society right. Think about it - you are the future in terms of the bringing up children, heading families, working, being politicians etc etc. So, NOW is the time to start preparing, when you're young, 'cos if you do it when you're older it's probably too late.
So, don't waste being young! Should you have fun, make mistakes, play, be light-hearted? No!!!
Heehee - just kidding, of course, that's part of being young. But in doing all of that you are figuring out how to be the person that God intended you to be. Always trust and rely completely on God. He is the One who will teach you right from wrong; He will guide you to where He wants you to be; who He wants you to be with etc. You're not alone, God wants you to trust Him and give yourself to Him.
Also use older people who you trust. There are a lot of wise, old Christians out there who have done a great job! Sure, if you look around it looks like adults have messed up. That may be true overall but as I said there are many who have done a really great job and from whom you can learn a lot! Believe it or not but a good place to start would be your own parents. Huuuuuuuuhnooitskattie!! Well, they probably know a lot more and are wiser than you think they are... try it, you may be pleasantly surprised. Ask questions about their lives, their decisions, their mistakes. What makes a good husband/wife, mother/father, worker, friend?
Come on y'all you're only young once, use it properly and when you're an adult you'll be one of those people who everyone looks up to. Your children will think you're the best parent ever, your husband/wife will think you're the best spouse ever, your colleagues will trust and respect you and you will have many good friendships. But these things don't happen overnight that's for sure. So now is the time to start. And as Paul said to his Padawan, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV). You're not always going to get it right and that's ok. Being on the path is what counts and doing it to glorify God is what counts. Don't be tossed by the waves of life... stand up and dominate; you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
