06/29/2026
Here are three things I would tell my teenage self about God if I had the chance.
1. You're going to be on fire for God. Make sure that fire burns for the right things.
There will be times when you see things that are wrong. You'll notice hypocrisy, injustice, hurt, and people making decisions that don't seem right. And you'll feel it deeply.
But being passionate for God doesn't mean picking fights with people at church because you disagree with them. It doesn't mean charging into every battle you see.
Know that God sees those things too. He cares about them even more than you do.
That doesn't mean ignoring evil or pretending wrongdoing isn't happening. It means learning that there is a right way and a wrong way to address things. Sometimes wisdom, patience, and grace can achieve what anger never will.
2. Spend time in the Word. Learn the big story.
You don't need to know every theological argument or the origin of every Hebrew or Greek word.
Just get familiar with the story.
Know who God is. Know how He has worked throughout history. Know how the different books connect together.
The more you understand the bigger picture, the easier it becomes to make sense of the smaller details.
Don't get so caught up in the pieces that you miss the masterpiece.
3. Remember that you're still growing and easily shaped by the people around you.
You might think you're independent, but the truth is you're being influenced every day, by your friends, your leaders, social media, culture, and the voices you choose to listen to.
Be aware of that.
Not everyone who sounds confident is wise. Not everyone who claims to speak for God is pointing you towards Him.
Stay close to God and let Him be the one who shapes your heart, your character, and your understanding of the world.
The people around you will leave their mark, but make sure the deepest mark belongs to Him.