HOW TO RUIN YOUR YOUTH<\/p>\n
Here are some foolproof ways to destroy your youth quickly \u2014 if that\u2019s your goal. This might sound ironic, but it\u2019s a stark warning wrapped in satire. The Bible offers wisdom on how not to live, and here we see the opposite of godly living.<\/p>\n
1. Surround Yourself with Negative Influences<\/strong><\/p>\n Choose friends who pull you down rather than lift you up. The Bible warns us about the company we keep:<\/p>\n \u201cDo not be misled: \u2018Bad company corrupts good character.\u2019\u201d (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Spending time with \u201ctroublemakers,\u201d immoral people, and those who don\u2019t fear God sets you on a path away from blessing. Psalm 1:1 (NIV) states:<\/p>\n Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n God calls us to seek friendship and fellowship with those who encourage righteousness and holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25).<\/p>\n 2. Reject God and Disobey His Word<\/strong><\/p>\n Many young people seek to honor God by following His Word, as Psalm 119:9 (NIV) says:<\/p>\n How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n But if you choose to reject God\u2019s commands and live in rebellion, you cut yourself off from the source of true life and purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) teaches:<\/p>\n Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ignoring God\u2019s Word leads to spiritual destruction and confusion.<\/p>\n 3. Do Whatever You Feel Like Doing<\/strong><\/p>\n Living by your feelings or impulses, rather than by God\u2019s guidance, is a recipe for chaos. Ecclesiastes 9:8-10 (NIV) encourages enjoying life, but it is framed within the context of fearing God and living wisely:<\/p>\n Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… whatever you do, do well… for there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom in the grave.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Yet without God\u2019s wisdom (James 1:5), giving in to every whim leads to ruin. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the \u201cacts of the flesh,\u201d which result in destruction. Freedom in Christ is not a license to sin but a call to live righteously (Galatians 5:13).<\/p>\n 4. Think You\u2019re Better Than Everyone Else<\/strong><\/p>\n Pride is a dangerous sin that blinds us from our need for God. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) warns:<\/p>\n Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Thinking you are superior isolates you from wisdom and correction. Ecclesiastes 12:12 (NIV) says:<\/p>\n Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This is a caution to be humble and open to wisdom rather than arrogant and dismissive.<\/p>\n Jesus teaches humility in Matthew 23:12 (NIV):<\/p>\n For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 5. Waste Time Because You Think You Have Plenty<\/strong><\/p>\n Youth often feel invincible and assume they have all the time in the world. Yet the Bible reminds us that life is fleeting and time is precious. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) instructs:<\/p>\n \u201cBe very careful, then, how you live\u2014not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Proverbs 27:1 (NIV) also warns:<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDo not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Using your time wisely means investing in God\u2019s work, building character, and preparing for eternity\u2014not wasting it on fleeting pleasures.<\/p>\n Final Encouragement<\/p>\n If you follow the above \u201cadvice,\u201d failure is inevitable \u2014 spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. But God\u2019s Word offers hope for those who repent and choose the right path:<\/p>\n For I know the plans I have for you,\u201d declares the Lord, \u201cplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.\u00a0 (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Please share this message \u2014 whether as a warning or encouragement \u2014 so others can choose the path of life and not destruction.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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