The following six people are all youth leaders at my church, City On A Hill. I asked them to share what they wish the teenage version of themselves had known about life, and about God. Here's what they said.
Mass
"Dear teen self ... don't be focused on things that are perishable. Don’t worry that you have your dad’s nose. Don’t worry that you are not as ‘cool’ as other people. Don’t worry about the things that you don’t have. This life is short. The most important thing is not to have the new Nokia 3315." (I was so excited when I got this phone; Snake 2).
Colossians 3:2-3 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Amy
"Dear teen self ... you are so much more important, interesting, intelligent and valuable than you believe yourself to be, as you are loved by God. You are not alone or forgotten. Keep thinking and Jesus will help you in all of your doubts as Jesus is relevant and he is alive. God doesn’t change and Jesus is God. (John 10:31) And when you feel like no one gets it and nothing is relevant read Psalm 88."
John 16:27 “for the father himself loves you, because you have loved me and believed that I came from God”.
Hannah
"Dear teen self ... you can’t change your family, and you shouldn’t want to. Treat your siblings with more love and respect, regardless of whether you think they ‘deserve it’. You are an ambassador for Christ and should reflect him with your family. Remember the parable about the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18) - how much greater is the debt forgiven by your father. Who cares if your sister ruined your favourite pair of jeans? 'The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever'. (1 John 2:17)"
Love people and use things, not love things and use people.
Exodus 20:12 “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you“
James 1:19 “take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”
Isaac
"Dear teen self ... be watchful with your faith. Keep in mind that the devil wants you to slip, wants you to doubt Jesus and wants you to follow sin. The devil will try and make you feel not good enough to be a Christian and do everything to keep you way from Jesus who loves you so much. Keep in mind if you are going through difficulty, that right now is not forever. Don’t let what happened in the past destroy your future. The cycle ends here with Jesus's love."
1 Peter 5:8-9 ”Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
Brendan
"Dear teen self ... check out Matthew Chapter 1 in that Bible book. The Jesus guy that you have heard bits and pieces about is a real person and worth finding out about. You’ll hear a lot of half-truths and 'facts' along the way that just aren’t true. Go to the source and look for yourself, it will be worth the time and it will change your life."
Matthew 1:1 “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham”
Chris
"Dear teen self ... be convinced of this truth, which I now know. God's word and reading the Bible is vital to your growth as a Christian and to life! Teen Self, the bible is precious, people died to protect it and God communicates directly to you through it. Don’t neglect God's word and don’t replace it with trivial things. Read the Bible! God wants to reveal more of Himself to you through it."
Matthew 4:4 “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Conclusion
My youth leaders here all have different stories and different pieces of advice they would tell their teen self. One thing is clear over all: Following Jesus is the most important thing we could tell our teen selves. Over the years, my leaders have gotten to know Jesus more and see how valuable He is. What he did on the cross is the most important thing that has happened throughout history. Jesus' advice and command to everyone (not just our teen selves) is 'come follow me'.
Matthew 16:24-25 “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”
