When we take trips as a youth group, we have a tradition of playing the game of Life. I have the game on my iPad, and we pass it around the vehicle. We usually have a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. Toward the beginning of the game, you have to pick the college path or the career path. I always pick the college path, but it never guarantees me a win. Right now, some of you are in that position in real life. You're deciding the next steps to take. The only thing is, this life is not a game. Whichever decision you choose for your life, whether college or a career, there are a couple of realities that are crucial for you to recognize as you take the steps toward adulthood.
One of the first realities you will have to face is that the next couple years of your life really matter. Culture would tell you that this “new period is a chance for young people to savor the pleasures of irresponsibility, search their souls and choose their life paths.” This is not the truth. The Word of God reminds us of the brevity of our lives (James 4:14). During the next few years make Psalm 90:12 a continual personal prayer. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Take the advice of Solomon, the wisest man to live. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) There will be a lot of issues and situations to figure out. There will be moments of deep discouragement and great joy, but as you go forward make the early adult years of your life count.
The next reality may seem basic, but it is another imperative reality. You’re relationship with God matters. I know this sounds like elementary Sunday School stuff, but it is true. A vibrant relationship with God is essential. The next phase of your life will be filled with unknowns. What will I do with my life? Who will I marry? Does God want me to go to college? In the middle of all these intimidating questions and new discoveries, you need an authentic relationship with God. God gives us an amazing promise in Psalm 32:8. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” But it requires me to be close to Him. (James 4:8) If you already have a wonderful walk with God, Praise the Lord! You’re going to need Him. Understand you will not accomplish anything with an eternal value without Him.
As you consider your relationship with Christ, you need to face another realty. This reality is that your influences will help build you or will help break you. Whether you know it or not, you are at an impressionable time in life. So you must actively protect your heart from wrong influences (Proverbs 4:23). This is why you must be in God’s Word daily, developing a walk with Him. If you believe that your influences don’t matter, please listen to Paul’s plea to the church in Corinth. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Don’t be tricked in to believing that worthless or wicked habits or behaviors will not affect you. The reality is your influences will play a large part in who you become.
The next reality you must deal with is that hard times are on the horizon. They may be the effect of decisions that you make or that others have made for you. Some of the difficulties may be out of your control, but God is in control. This is why you must understand that the coming years are important moments for God to mold you into the masterpiece He desires for you to be. Christ warned, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” But than He encourages with this, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In seasons of hurt, confusion, and despair, resolve to be like Paul and discover God’s strength in the middle of your weakness (2 Corinthians12:10). Those are the moments where God is working in you to do great things.
The last reality is the one you cannot lose sight of. It will help you through some of the difficult times. It is simply this. You are where you are because someone cared for you! Some of you are smart, athletic, funny, or talented in other areas, but you didn’t pull yourself up by your own boot straps as the old saying goes. First, you have a wonderful heavenly Father who loves you and has shown you grace and mercy. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) We all have a Savior that loved us, but we also have individuals that have helped or even sacrificed to move you forward. Don’t forget about your parents, the teachers, the spiritual leaders, and godly friends that have helped you to succeed. Take heed to Paul’s advice to Timothy, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Timothy 3:14) Don’t forget that you are not alone.
May God bless you as you follow Him into the next exciting steps in your journey of life! Stay faithful!