Something to think About with Teens and Tech

As we look at Teens and Tech on Sunday mornings, here is an excerpt from Charles Spurgeon's sermon on entertainment to think about.

"How far may we go in conformity to the world?" is a question that is frequently asked. Have you never heard the story of a lady who wanted a coachman? Two or three called to see her about the post, and, in answer to her enquiries, the first applicant said, "Yes, madam, you could not have a better coachman than myself." She replied, "How near do you think you could drive to danger without an accident?" "Madam, I could go within a yard of it, and yet you would be perfectly safe." "Very well," she said, "you will not suit me." The second applicant had heard the question upon which the other had been rejected, and therefore he was ready with his answer, "Danger! Madam, why I could drive within a hair’s breadth, and yet be perfectly safe." "Then you will not suit me at all." When number three came in, he was asked, "Are you a good driver?" "Well," he replied, "I am careful and have never met with an accident." "But how near do you think you could drive to danger?" "Madam," he said, "that is a thing I never tried; I always drive as far away from danger as ever I can." The lady at once replied, "You are the kind of coachman I want, and I will engage you at once." Get such a coachman as that yourself to guide your own heart and lead your own character. Do not see how near you can go to sin, but see how far you can keep away from it. If you do not take that advice, and if the Spirit of God does not produce in you purity of life, by and by the church will have to hold up its hands and say, "Who would have thought it? These were the nice young people of whom so much was expected; these were the good people who used to say, ‘You must not be too strict,’ and where are they now?" To avoid the worst keep clear of the bad.

If you would like to read the rest, you can read it here. If you need to catch up on Teens and Tech, go and check out the audio feed.

Happy New Year!

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me – my banner will be clear!

-Anonymous African Pastor – Nailed to his wall.

Five Areas of Speech Teenagers Should Avoid

Whether it is in person, on the internet, or in a text, speech is one of the biggest battles for us as Christian young people. The Word of God is very clear on the dangers of improper speech.

  Here are five areas of speech to stay away from: 

1. False Speech

Society is full of liars and deceivers! The news is filled with political, corporate, and even religious leaders caught in lies and scandals. The dangers of false speech should be evident to every Christian. "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." -Proverbs 12:22

2. Froward Speech

The word froward means willfully contrary; not easily managed. James says "If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not (does not control or curb)  his tongue... this man's religion is vain (empty, worthless). (James 1:26) It is imperative that a Christian learn to manage the things that come out of his or her mouth to maintain a proper Christian testimony. Proverbs 4:24 says "Put away from thee a forward mouth!"

3. Foolish Speech

It is amazing how much of today's "humor" is really foolishness. Most modern movies, music, and other forms of media find it humorous to make light of standards and values. This trend has many Christians being entertained by things that are senseless and meaningless. Proverbs 15: 2 says "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright (well, successfully): but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Christians should strive to talk about things that are sensible and not senseless!

4. Flattering Speech

It has been said that flattery will get you nowhere. Sadly, many have tried to use it as a vehicle to success.  Paul told the Thessalonians that he sought to bring glory to God and not to men, so he did not use flattering words. (1 Thessalonians 2:4-5) Christian be genuine!

5. Filthy Speech

The Apostle Paul challenged the Ephesians to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret."  (Ephesians 5:11.12) It is terrible to live in a world where perversion is glorified, but it is worse when Christians speak pleasurably about such perversion. Christian "let no corrupt (rotten,bad) communication proceed out of your mouth!

How do you respond?

How do we respond to correction or criticism?  Proverbs 9:8 describes two different responses. The Bible says "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." The word reprove means to criticize or correct, especially gently. The word rebuke means to express sharp or stern disapproval of. The Word of God tells us that a scorner will not accept gentle correction, but a wise man will accept sharp or even stern correction. No one is ever really excited about criticism, but how we respond speaks volumes about our character. Winston Churchill once said, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” The scorner will hate (become an enemy of) the people who correct or criticize him, but a wise man will love (become a friend of) the people who correct or criticize even in a sharp way. Many time we do not like the source or the spirit of correction or criticism, but wisdom looks at the truth and makes the proper adjustments. How do we respond when someone sheds light on our shortcomings or imperfections? A scorner will despise correction, but a wise man or woman will embrace it. 

Just a Thought