A Special Message to Teenagers

I have seen many innocent adolescents get on the wrong track and destroy their lives.  Over the course of my life, I have gained considerable wisdom–through my own mistakes and by observing the failures of others.  In effect, I have learned “what not to do.” So please listen up, teenager. The “single best way” to get into trouble is to start running with the wrong crowd. If your peer group drinks alcohol or takes drugs, do not participate. If they persist in enticing you, separate yourself from them. Please know that partaking in one sip of alcohol or one mind-altering pill can create a hellish existence for the rest of your life. 

Once addicted, you will spend the rest of your life conniving and stealing to obtain that next fix.

As your life spins further out of control, you could either die or wind up in prison. CDC studies show that the more you smoke and drink, the quicker you die. Smoking itself will shorten your lifetime by 12 years, meaning a life expectancy of 70 years is reduced to 58. Add drugs to the lethal mix, and you can expect a much earlier departure. 

Ladies, never let a young man influence you into engaging in sex or heavy petting. If he succeeds, the first thing he will do is brag about his conquest to his friends. He will tell them, “I had sex last night with_________, but please don’t tell anyone.” Scandalous news is too irresistible not to pass along, so soon the whole school knows. Your reputation will be forever sullied, leaving you feeling like a cheap prostitute. Young lady, do you want your name inserted in the blank space above? 

Young man, I implore you to respect a girl’s innocence, treat her like a lady, and protect her reputation. The Bible condemns sex prior to marriage. Jesus called it “fornication.” Don’t cheapen yourselves, young ladies. Your reputation is too important to lose in a weak moment of indiscretion.  Avoid a possessive boyfriend, especially one who selfishly attempts to monopolize your time. If his actions prove unsupportive of your academic and spiritual growth and career goals, show him the door, and quickly. 

The next topic is education. We are all born with different abilities, aptitudes, and special interests.  Some are better equipped to pursue college degrees, while others possess the skill set to excel in vocational/technical training and its associated careers. Bottom line: choose the career field that you feel drawn to. Many use the excuse of not being financially able to acquire higher learning. This is not a valid argument, for its premise is disproved every day. As a case in point, I came from a poor family, but by attending night school for seven years while working full-time, I graduated from Mercer University. Just remember: the first chapter in the “Book of Success” is entitled “Ambition and Determination.” 

And finally, draw close to the Lord–every second of every day. Seek to live a righteous life. Go to church. Love God, love your neighbor, and become a new creature in Christ. God said, “I knew you before you were born” (Jeremiah 1:5).  Therefore, He has a special plan for your life. In response, it is incumbent upon you to become the type of person your Creator intended you to be.  Do so, and you will live a happy and rewarding life. May God bless you!