You woke up grumpy. Called your sister a name. Talked back to your mom. Got in a fight at the bus stop. Tripped a kid in gym. You feel awful. If only you could start the day over! No one can go back and live a day over again. But you can make a fresh start, even in the middle of a bad day. The people of Judah had a bad century. They sinned willfully. Their homeland was destroyed, and they were carried as captives to Babylon. Now they were back. And the first thing they did was worship the Lord. Fresh starts begin by turning to the Lord. Admit your failures. Thank God for his forgiveness. And the rest of the day really will be new.
I spent a month at my uncle’s farm during the summer, and when I came home I found out my brother had told people I had gone into drug rehab. Now it’s all over school. Some people at school are actually avoiding me. Will I ever get my reputation back?
Justin
Dear Justin,
Rumors can be vicious. That’s one reason God warns people not to gossip. This is clearly an embarrassing situation for you. But you will get your reputation back.
Did you know the people of Israel had to stop a bad rumor? The Israelites were rebuilding the temple. Their enemies wrote letters to their ruler and started a rumor saying the Israelites were rebellious and wicked (Ezra 4:11–16). The leader ordered the rebuilding to stop until the rumor was checked out. Eventually, the truth was found out and the rebuilding of the temple continued (Ezra 6:3–10). It caused trouble and stress, but the truth came out and the Israelites were found innocent of the charges.
When the truth is known about where you were, your reputation will be restored. It may take some time but things will get back to normal. Did your aunt or uncle take pictures of you on the farm? If so, ask for some to be sent to you. Take them in to show your friends the nice visit you had with your family. The truth can fly around as fast as a lie.
Jordan
You want to be a leader? It doesn’t just happen. You have to prepare yourself to be a leader. To be a leading scientist, you’d better start now to master math. To be a top athlete, you’d better practice daily. It’s the same way with the spiritual. If you want to be a leader in God’s kingdom, you need to follow Ezra’s path. He devoted himself to studying and practicing God’s Word and to teaching it to others. Leaders aren’t born. People become leaders because they’re dedicated to excellence in their field. Wouldn’t it be great to follow Ezra’s path to leadership?
How important is it to have friends who are Christians? Regular friends and boyfriends? And what about more serious relationships?
Chloe
Dear Chloe,
Many people say they are Christians, but their walk is off the path. As you make friends, it’s important to see if a person is living a life honoring God. If your friends’ lives show respect for God, it makes it easier for you to do the same. There isn’t anything wrong with having friends who are not Christians. The problems begin when your friends—whether they are or are not Christians—act or speak in ways that are offensive to God.
Those are the people to stay away from. If you spend all your time with people who say and do things that are offensive to God, you are on slippery ground. Try to find some people who share your interests so you can have fun together doing something worthwhile. Your life will be less stressful and you can succeed in the things that are important to you and your family.
Then as you get older, you’ll have a pattern of good habits with friends. This will also help you when you want to find a husband or wife. The values of this world are not the values of God. The Bible is clear that Christians should not marry non-Christians (Ezra 9; 2 Corinthians 6:14). But marriage is for a time in the future and so should be “more serious” relationships. Being young doesn’t last long. So honor God in all your relationships. He will bless you for it.
Jordan
Rob comes home, and his dad says, “Looks like you’ve got a lot of homework.” “You’re right,” Rob says (and heads out to play soccer). “Megan, it’s your turn to empty the dishwasher.” “OK,” Megan says (and picks up her cell phone to call Allison). Knowing you should do something, and doing it, are two different things. The people of Ezra’s time set a good example. Ezra pointed out an area in which many had disobeyed God. The people not only said, “You are right,” but added, “We must do as you say.” Be a Christian who not only says, “You’re right,” but also says, “We should do that.” Then do it!
Ezra
Coming Home.
The Israelites return to their empty and ruined homeland after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. They had to rebuild their homeland and stay faithful to God.