TUESDAY, MARCH 29

“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

It’s pretty understated to say that it’s difficult to be a teenager. We have to deal with the social pressures of middle school and high school — grades, clothes, friends, relationships — it really can all become a bit too much. We try to control our own lives but seem to be overpowered by our parents, our hormones, or God. We’re still growing and figuring things out. How does it make sense for us teens, who don’t even have any sort of idea who we are, let alone who we are in our faith, to be leaders?

But, on the other hand, maybe it is that uncertainty that makes us good examples. Too often I walk through FPC’s doors on Sunday mornings to a church of people very set in their ways. I see dozens of familiar faces who are very sure of who they are in their faith. Some people know exactly what they are going to believe, and are almost unwilling to question or allow room for change. The youth seem to be always curious, always wanting to learn more, and always up for something new.

In this season of Lent, maybe it’s time to loosen some of our rust and look at things from a new point of view. Don’t throw out all of your preconceived notions of faith, but remember that there is always something more to learn, questions to be answered, and new ways of looking at things.

Prayer: Gracious God, please help us to remember that we don’t know everything and that You always have more to teach us. Please open my mind to new ideas and my heart to new love. Help me to see this world I live in with eyes opened in child-like-wonder. Amen.

Clara Jones