How Far Should Christian Teens Go to Be Accepted?
by JoJo Tabares
There is such pressure on today’s teens to fit in. They see it in magazines
and hear it from their peers about how to dress, what to say, and how to act. But
has your teen ever taken a good look at what communication this is sending to others?
When you ask teens why they dress and act the way they do, you will often hear:
“I am just expressing my individuality.” or “I just want to fit
in.” The communication we send has consequences that teens often do not consider.
How is dressing like everybody else expressing your individuality? If you really
wanted to express your individuality, you would delight in being the unique creature
that the Lord created you to be. The consequences of communicating that you are
just like everyone else are that others will take you at your word. Only God can
see our hearts and judge who we are fairly. We mere humans must rely on the abilities
He gave us to discern what is good and bad for us. If you see a large cat with stripes
coming toward you with his eyes fixed and his jaws poised for dinner, you begin
to size up the situation. If it looks like a tiger and acts like a tiger, it’s
probably a good idea to assume he is a tiger and act accordingly!
And how far should a Christian go to fit in? We are called to be in the world but
not of it. Remember that if you declare yourself to be a Christian, you are an example
to others. Each one of us is a reflection on our parents, all Christians, and Almighty
God. Ask yourself: What would Jesus wear?
If you want to express your individuality, dare to be YOURSELF! Remember that you
are His child and you fit right in … in His kingdom!
Biographical Information
Copyright, 2009. All rights reserved by author below. Content provided by The
Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC.
JoJo Tabares holds a degree in speech communication, but it’s her humorous
approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian
speaker and writer. Her articles appear on
Crosswalk.com,
Dr. Laura.com, and in homeschool publications, such as
Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine,
which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. JoJo is the owner of Art
of Eloquence.com, the host of the weekly podcast, Grace Talk Soup, the creator of
Foot in Mouth Man, and the host of the annual Say What You Mean Convention.com.
For more information on JoJo or creative and fun communication curricula, visit
www.ArtofEloquence.com .
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