BUILDING THE LIFE OF A TEENAGER FROM GROUND UP (PROVERBS 22 VS.6)
The teen years are very exciting years in the life of an individual. This is the period of the life of an individual when suddenly he or she realizes that there is more to life than waking up, engaging in different activities during the day which mostly comprises someone else “running your life for you” and then retiring to bed at night. In the early years before now, the individual had zero responsibility. Every need was attended to by someone else. But as teen years are assumed. For every teen reading this, you might have a parent, sibling, teacher, or coach who does some things for you, but with other things, you’re expected to take the lead.
This is a time when they are confronted with a lot of changes going on in their bodies; these rapid changes take place internally and externally. They are expected to bring about a transition from childlike ways of reasoning and of total dependence on others around them, to a more responsible individual that can be held accountable for actions taken. In the years of their developments every parent or guardian has the responsibility to help give the right guidance and be positive examples to them to help enhance their God given potentials to become great in life. Teenagers have their desires and their unique identities, they also respond positively when due respect is accorded them. A wise teen must take positive steps and make the sacrifice of being disciplined today to enjoy the rewards prize in the tomorrow of their lives (Proverbs 10 vs.5).
In the world we are living in today where parents have a lot on their hands, searching for daily bread and as a result have left their most important responsibility of teaching the right values and spending adequate contact time with their teens, and have relinquished the responsibility to other persons who may not be in a position to instill these values in them. The teaching and disciplining starts from birth, at home (which is the 1st school a child goes through) and done at all times (Deuteronomy 6 vs. 6-9). It is quite pathetic that since we aren’t doing whets is expected of us, a vacuum has been created in the lives of these young ones. The teens of today are checklists that they take anything that comes their way as substitute since they have not been given any checklists that will serve as a guide to them from home. The checklist I mentioned earlier is embossed in their hearts as a result of the teachings and God’s word they are exposed to. It is a collective responsibility by all involved. Don’t assume they know, make out time to teach them.
Remember that Joseph would have fallen prey to pressure but for what he had on the inside of him. At that time when they are faced with making important decisions, it is what they have and have accepted as true that will count. Please recorder your priority whatever it will cost. God is counting us so much desire in our generation.
