PROVERBS 19:16
Authority: something we teenagers naturally rebel against. It’s something we’re known for. I’d even go as far as to say that it’s a fact of life. Most parents dread when their children become teenagers. We don’t want to obey our parents or our teachers or even God! We want to live our life the way we want to, by our own standards and rules. Lately, I’ve found myself constantly challenging my mom and dad. I argue back, I’m sullen when they tell me to do things, and I just don’t want to do what they want me to do. I often find myself thinking that I’m right and they’re wrong. I might be right every now and then, but most of the time, they are the ones that are correct. They are in control of my life, along with God. And despite what I want, what I’m feeling, I still have to obey my parents and God. God’s the one in control of everything. He’s the one who said for us to honor our fathers and mothers. He is in charge of our lives, no matter what we might wish. It’s overwhelming, thinking that everything we do, everything we’re going to do, is in the hands of an almighty God. But … it’s also comforting. In a way, it truly is nice to know that we are forever protected, that we are cared for and loved. Knowing that, it’s not quite as hard to accept authority.
Kelsie Nygren, 15, Covenant Christian Academy, El Paso, TX
I want to be right all the time, Lord, so please help me
to remember that I don’t know everything … even thoughit feels like I do sometimes. I want to obey my parents and You, no matter how hard it is.