Wisdom for Youth Mr. Jeffrey Dean
www.jeffreydean.com
2-28-11 7th/8th Grade
Every question leads to a choice, and life is about making choices. They
shape our future. Just because we know the difference between right and
wrong, still means we need to live it out. We need to live with intention to
honor God. When we do the right thing, even when no one else does, God will
bless us and honor us.
Genesis 1:31 – And God saw that it was very good. What does “good” mean?
1. Of the highest quality 2. Morally uncompromising – the VERY BEST.
Genesis 1:27 – created in God’s image: only man (human) was created in God’s
image. We are to reflect God. As Christ’s followers, do we reflect God?
What does the world learn about God by seeing us? Do they see something
different? We are to influence those around us, even if “no one” sees us.
We have been sold a lie, that parents are irrelevant and not important.
Parents are learning as they go, but students need to place trust in them.
We live in a world with a media that says “anything goes”, if it feels good,
if it works in the moment for you –do it. However, we need to honor God. The
media gives so many messages about sex, and yet we hear, “Say no to sex
before marriage.” Why should we? 1. God says so, and 2. God will bless us.
1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee from sexual immorality – this includes our body,
mind, and things we look at, not just premarital sex. (Greek: porneia – all
sexual sin) A common question – How far is too far? If we want to honor God
with our bodies, we will stay away from that sin. Analogy: mountain biking
on cliff edges – we stay away from the edge. We should set the bar high, and
not compromise.
Another common question – is it OK to date a non-Christian? Would you want
to spend the rest of your life with them? Would you want them to raise your
children without sharing your beliefs? Do you want to spend your life with
someone who chooses not to know Christ, and you won’t spend eternity with?
Have a Game Plan: Make a Top 10 List of characteristics that you will NOT
compromise in a future spouse. We don’t want anything less than greatness.
It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Girls: Ecclesiastes 3:11 – He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Train your eyes to see yourself as God sees you. Spend time in His word, and
measure yourself by God’s standard.
Boys: Being a man has nothing to do with a sex life. It has to do with
responsibility God has placed upon them. Grow to be men of influence, and
not pressure anyone sexually.
We are not to bully/make fun of others. It stems from insecurity. We become
part of the process by not offering help. We disrespect God by disrespecting
others (especially women), even by looking at porn on the computer screen.
What we do in private eventually spills over to public life. It reflects
God, and will shape us to what we will be. Men need to respect women.
Romans 12:2 – be transformed by the renewing of your mind. God replaces the
old with the new (or most recent) this is an ongoing daily process. We must
spend time in God’s word, trust him, and He will bless us.