A Letter to TeensSample

The Battle is the Lord’s

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47)

So, you've made it this far. Now, let's talk about something important in adolescence. It's a tough time, full of challenges and battles, mostly in our minds. The good news is that we can win these wars!

One of the battles you’ll face is facing temptations in the mind, and one of the biggest we face as teenagers is lust. It's normal to feel attracted to the opposite sex during this time - our hormones are going crazy! But it's important to keep ourselves in check and maintain our holiness.

Sex is not a dirty thing. It's a beautiful and noble creation of God with a special purpose. However, doing things at the right time is essential for the right reasons. Just like our parents didn't let us play with knives when we were kids, they taught us how to use them properly as we grew up. Similarly, sex is reserved for married couples in a holy union.

The temptation to engage in pornographic material is a dangerous one. Many young people have become addicted to it, and it has caused them great suffering. It's like a sweet poison that can destroy your life if you're not careful. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you're being tempted, remember the story of Joseph and run away!

Solomon warned us about the dangers of lust, and we should take his words to heart. He himself, who fell into temptation, warned the young, in Song of Solomon 8:4, " I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases."

We don't want to ruin our future for temporary pleasure. Instead, we should fill our hearts and minds with God's Word and His peace. We should surrender ourselves to God whenever we face temptation or trials and let Him fight for us. It's not about our strength but by the Spirit of God that lives within us.

So, there you have it! Adolescence can be tough, but we can win the battles in our minds. Let's make wise decisions, maintain our holiness, and trust in God to guide us through the tough times.