Introduction
In today’s world, being a Christian youth can be challenging. With countless distractions and pressures, it’s essential for young believers to understand their identity and purpose in Christ. In this blog, we will delve into the biblical perspective on who a Christian youth is, exploring some relevant verses and practical applications for real-life situations.
Defining a Christian Youth:
A Christian youth can be broadly defined as a young person who has made a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and seeks to live according to the teachings of the Bible.
Characteristics Of a Christian Youth
- A Christian Youth is a Child of God
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
Being a child of God means, you have a personal relationship with Him. You have the privilege of talking to Him through prayer and hearing from Him through His word, the Bible. This intimate connection with your heavenly father as Christian youth provides you with guidance, comfort, and wisdom in every aspect of life. As a Christian youth, you can approach Him with your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, knowing that He cares deeply for you and desires to be involved in every detail of your life.
As Christian youth, being child of God also means that you have a purpose in this world. God has created each one of us with unique gifts, talents, and passions. He has a plan for your life, and He wants you to use your abilities to bring glory to Him and make a positive impact on the world around you. Whether it’s through your studies, careers, relationships, or serving others, you have the opportunity to be a reflection of God’s love and grace to those you encounter.
As Christian youth, you are called to imitate the character of your heavenly Father. You are to strive to embody the qualities of love, kindness, forgiveness, and humility that was see in Jesus Christ. This involves treating others with respect and compassion, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness when conflicts arise, and standing up for justice and righteousness. Your life should be a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace, demonstrating to others what it means to live as child of God.
While being a Christian youth, is a tremendous privilege, it also comes with responsibilities. You are called to live lives that are set apart from the values and standards of the world. This means making choices that align with God’s word and resisting the temptations that surround you. It means seeking to grow in your faith through prayer, studying the Bible, and participating in Christian community. As Christian youth, you are to cultivating a personal relationship with God and allowing His truth to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
As Christian youth, you are not alone in this journey of faith. You have the support and encouragement of fellow believers, mentors, and the church community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to Christ can provide accountability, guidance, and encouragement as you navigate the challenges and joys of living as child of God.
In a world that often defines our worth and identity based on external factors such as appearance, achievements, or popularity, understanding yourself as child of God offers a radical and counter-cultural perspective. Your value and worth come not from what you do or what others think of you, but from being unconditionally loved and accepted by your heavenly Father. This truth liberates you from the pressure to conform or seek validation from the world, and instead allows you to find your true identity and purpose in Christ.
As Christian youth, you have the incredible privilege of being child of God. Your identity is rooted in His love and grace, and this truth empowers you to live with confidence, purpose, and integrity.
- A Christian Youth is a Light in the World
Living as a light in the world begins with the transformation that takes place within you, the day you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.
The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
When you become followers of Christ, you are given a new identity and a new purpose. You are called to live differently from the world, to be set apart for God’s purposes.
One way you can become the light in the world as Christian youth; is by being intentional about your relationships.
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
As Christian youth, you should surround yourself with people who will encourage and strengthen your faith. By seeking out friendships with other believers, you can grow in your understanding of God’s Word and support one another in living out your faith.
As Christian youth, you are called to be a light to those who do not yet know Christ.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This means that your actions and attitudes as Christian youth should reflect the character of Christ, drawing others to Him. You can do this by treating others with kindness and respect, by serving those in need, and by sharing the hope that you have in Jesus.
In a world that often promotes selfishness and materialism, you can stand out by living with a different set of values.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
As Christian youth, you can prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures. You can use your time, talents, and resources to invest in things that have lasting significance, such as serving others and sharing the gospel because you what to end well with your creator.
Being a light in the world also means standing up for what is right and speaking out against injustice.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
As followers of Christ, you are called to be advocates for the marginalized and oppressed. You can use your voice and influence to bring about positive change in your communities and to fight for justice and equality.
However, as Christian youth that what to be a light in the world, does not mean that you will always be accepted or celebrated.
Jesus warns His disciples in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
As Christian youth, you may face opposition and ridicule for your faith. But you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Jesus promises to be with us and to give us the strength and courage to endure.
- A Christian Youth is called to pursue godliness
Living a life of godliness as Christian youth begins with your speech. Your words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage.
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Therefore, as Christian youth, you should be mindful of the words you speak and seek to use them to bring life and edification to others. You can choose to speak words of kindness, encouragement, and truth, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in your conversations.
In addition to speech, your conduct should also plays a crucial role in pursuing godliness. Your actions should align with the teachings of Christ and the principles found in the Bible.
James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
It is not enough to simply know what is right; you must put it into practice. As Christian youth, you should strive to live with integrity, honesty, and humility. let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘NO’ be ‘NO’. Our conduct should reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate your commitment to following Him.
Central to pursuing godliness is the command to love.
Jesus Himself said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
Your love as Christian youth should extend beyond your friends and family to include your enemies and those who may not share your beliefs. You are called to love sacrificially, selflessly, and unconditionally, imitating the love that Christ has shown us.
Furthermore, your faith should be evident in your life.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
As Christian youth, you are called to trust in God’s promises, to rely on His guidance, and to live with a deep conviction that He is faithful. Your faith should shape your decisions, your attitudes, and your priorities, allowing you to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with confidence and hope.
Lastly, pursuing godliness involves striving for purity. This encompasses both physical and moral purity. In a world that often promotes immorality and indulgence, you as Christian youth are called to live different, honoring God’s design for relationships and reserving ungodly relationship. Additionally, you should strive for moral purity, avoiding dishonesty, greed, and any other form of sin that may compromise your witness as followers of Christ.
Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”
By immersing yourself in God’s Word and seeking His guidance, you can walk in purity and live lives that honor Him.
Read also: How to build Christian character
Conclusion
Being a Christian youth means embracing your identity as child of God, shining as lights in the world, and pursuing godliness. These biblical principles provide a solid foundation for navigating the challenges and opportunities that come your way. By understanding who you are in Christ and applying these truths practically, you can impact your generation and bring glory to God.
Remember, being a Christian youth is not about perfection but about growing in faith and reflecting Christ’s love. Embrace your identity, seek wisdom from God’s Word, and lean on His strength as you navigate this exciting journey of faith.
Am so so blessed by this message
It’s my pleasure. Thanks