I remember when we were teenagers, each of us four siblings had our own crazy way of expressing our new-found pre-youth experience! I had bangs (that actually looked terrible but I refused to accept that!), my sister had bleached hair that eventually looked like it had has been burnt by fire, one of my younger brothers had an unkempt ponytail while the youngest shaved his head to look like Ronaldo!
Well, it’s all cool now but I look back and wonder how people/friends/folks around us would have felt about the way we looked and behaved. I also wonder if we were able to influence anyone around us at this stage in life. Probably not! These crazy appearances might make you look and feel good about yourself and help you fit in. But not for long! And that’s not your purpose in life.
Here is something to think about: regardless of the ‘awesomeness’ that your life maybe, or even the darkest, most harsh times you maybe going through, you are not defined by your present circumstances. You are actually made to be a lighthouse!
This is beautifully explained in the Good Old Book:
You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!
Here are some little ways by which you can be a lighthouse! And trust me, it’s much more than just lipsticks, hipster jeans and cool hairstyles.
1. Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words!
Your friend is watching the way you behave with the little kid on the street asking you for an ice cream. Are you the one chasing him off or shelling out an extra ten bucks?
2. Language Matters!
The words you use and the way you say it can define your sphere of influence!
3. Prioritize
Do you just wait for the weekend to hit the latest party in town, or do you save at least 2 hours to get some downtime with family, close friends and just maybe God and yourself?
4. Be a trendsetter!
Are you following Facebook/Instagram/Twitter trends just because they are trending? If that’s so, you’ll usually be waiting for approval from another person. Set your own trend; make your mark!
We’re all young and happening, and we love that feeling! But YOU have the power to be an influencer. Despite the darkness around or within. If there’s darkness within, then reach out. Help is here!
And for those who want to change the darkness outside, the Bible is pretty awesome in what it says about the power of youth! 'Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.'
We’d love to hear from you on what can make a young person stand out from the crowd! Write to us in the comments below and we’ll love to chat!