Christians are commanded in the Bible to not conform to the world (Romans 12:2a), but the temptation to do just that is very strong.  The power of influence is something which cannot be overlooked.  We are influenced by those around us every day in numerous ways.  The clothes we wear, the way we comb our hair, the cars we drive, the food we eat…these choices and more are made by us as a result of the influence of the society around us. … Read More When You Want to Have It Both Ways

God does want us to have a good time (11:9a).  He wants us to have joy and do things which please us (9:7-10).  That’s why youth should take advantage of their youthful capacity to enjoy life.  Yet God also wants us to never lose sight of the fact that we will be judged (11:9b) and will give an account of what we do (3:17; 12:14).  That’s why we must be selective in what we choose to do to have fun…something I wish I had realized when I was younger.… Read More “Rejoice, O Young Man, in Your Youth…”

It’s interesting that James didn’t say, “…IF you encounter various trials…”  He said, “…WHEN you encounter various trials…”  Followers of Jesus, along with everyone else in this life, must expect hard times (John 16:33; Acts 14:22).  Sickness, accidents, disappointments and death come simply because we are human.  Christians must endure ordeals which come in the form of persecutions simply because of their loyal, heart-felt faith (1 Peter 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:12).  Satan fights against Jesus’ followers and the world opposes them, so trying times must be expected.… Read More How God Wants Us To React to Hardship