HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE TEENAGER

A teenager or teen is a young person whose age falls within the range of 13-19. They are teenagers because their age number ends with teen. It is a terms widely used to describe an age group between childhood and adulthood, during this transitional period, teens always have physical & mental human development. They always undergo rapid physical development. This is a period where teens begin to look like adults than children e.g. voice changes, breast develops etc. Teenage period can be a frustrating time in life. It is a period when they feel they are old enough to take decisions in their own.

Scripture represent teen or youth as a time both of danger & challenges. Genesis 8:21 says "the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth", 2Timothy 2:22 admonishes to "flee youthful lust".  

But God also recognizes the value of youths/teens in the following ways:

Youths are the most valuable component in the service of God as Ecclesiastes 12:1 urges to “remember now your creator in the days of your youth before the civil days comes.”

 * Youths have energy e.g. David in the Bible 1Tim 4:12.

In fact the Bible shows us how God used teens & youth in unfolding his marvelous plan of redemption. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TEENAGER.

1. Teens like to explore.

2. They like to be independent, they have self-centered attitude.

3. it’s a period of rapid change in behavior.

4. They are stubborn and have strong emotions.

5. This is a period when parents & teen always argue a lot over issues. 

6. They want to take decision on their own & to be given responsibility.

   WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO BE EFFECTIVE?

It means when a person is capable to accomplish a purpose and expected to produce results.

  PRACTICAL WAY OF BEING EFFECTIVE TEENS.

* Be active in your community be it church, school or workplace and do what you are expected to do with zeal and knowledge, for instance, identify where you know you can do well Acts 6:2 Evangelism, choir, ushering, sanitation, wherever! When you are given a task, give it your all.

In the society:

√ be a role model for other teens;

√ stand by the truth;

√ don't join keep bad company.

√ Always help when you know people are in need.

 Examples of teens in the Bible that were effective include: Samuel, David, Timothy, Titus among others.

Regardless of your age, God is more than willing to use you if you will only submit to Him. You can be effective for God in your lifetime.

Mrs. Susan Gabriel, a teenagers Counselor in Foursquare Gospel Church, Kingdom Life Center, Moore/Ojaja, Ile-Ife can be contacted via whatsapp on 08134518169