While In The World

"For everything in the world - the craving of the flesh, the greed of the eyes and people boasting of their superiority - all this belongs to the world, not to the Father. The world passes away with all its craving but those who do the will of God remain forever." - 1st John 2:16-17

Being young, it is so easy to get carried away by the things around us. We always admire those with status, those who drive nice cars and can buy expensive things. There's certainly nothing wrong with these things, but never let them define who you are. The person you are should have nothing to do with wealth or how fly your kicks are… one day you will leave all these things behind. Instead, focus on what truly defines who you are - your faith, your values, your morals, and these all come from God. While you're young, have fun and get to know all you can, but remember these things never last long. A wise person builds up what's inside and what can be carried over when this life is over.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, in my youth, help me to appreciate and get to know the world around me, but please never let it define who I am or be central to my life. Help me build on my faith so that I can grow in You. In Your Name we pray, amen.

Never Too Young

"Let no one reproach you on account of your youth. Be a model to the believers in the way you speak and act, in your love, your faith and purity of life." - 1st Timothy 4:12

Following the Lord has no age, although we tend to see churches filled with old people on Sundays. And where are the youth? I've had people tell me that they're young so it's their time to go out, get wild and live life. God wants you to enjoy your youth but being young isn't an excuse to get carried away by the empty things of this world and then think to yourself that you'll turn to God when you're your parents' age. The first in reproaching us on account of our youth is ourselves - we're too young to spend our time praying or going to church in our teen's and 20's, right? The fact is that we need God at all times and at all points of our lives, especially when we are young with so many decisions to make in front of us. There are times when we are so down and so completely lost and the only one that can help us is God, but why only turn to Him when you need something from Him? Isn't He worthy enough to share in your joys as well? If you truly want God's blessings and to walk with Him always, make a decision in your life today to turn away from sin and its distractions. Do as Saint Paul told Timothy, a young believer - be a model to others in your faith and in the way you act. Purify yourselves and don't let evil come from your lips or from your actions. Do everything out of love and your Father in Heaven will see this and be with you throughout your entire life. We are never too far gone to win back God's graces. Each day is a chance to start anew and straighten our paths.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, the old people I see in church have the blessing of saying that they have seen Your powerful hand throughout their entire lives. Let me be as wise as they are and in my youth proclaim Your Name and wonders for all. That I may be a witness to your grandeur every year of my life. In Your Name we pray, Amen.