Young & Cool in God's Eyes: How?

In every generation, the same complaints about young people are always heard.

“Young people these days have no manners when they speak.”

Or, “Young people just don't want to listen to their parents' advice.”

There are still many other negative stereotypes, such as that young people tend to be wasteful and enjoy smoking, abusing illegal drugs, and hanging out in the nightlife scene. There are also behaviors typical of the millennial generation. For example, preferring to socialize on social media rather than in the real world. They want everything instantly and immediately.

Actually, bad lifestyle is not something new and is not limited to young people alone. Since Old Testament times, many people have loved to party and engage in casual sex. They adjusted their way of life to match the trends so they would look cool. All for the sake of gaining recognition from their surroundings, popularity among their peers, or personal satisfaction. In the modern era, pressure from the global business climate as well as a lack of communication or attention in the family can be the root of this lifestyle.

Christian young people need to wisely order their lives so they are not influenced by the harmful effects of today's lifestyle. So, how can you become a Christian young person who is cool in the Lord?

One inspiring young person in the Bible who pleased God is Daniel (Daniel 1:1-9). Besides living a blameless life, Daniel was wise and broad in knowledge, and he had the competence to work in the king's palace. This is what made Daniel loved by God and by people.

These three principles can serve as guidelines for your lifestyle as a Christian young person:

1. Popularity Through Quality

“Let no one look down on you because you are young. Be an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

Most people like popularity. They will do anything to earn this title of being seen. Starting from diligently updating statuses, always using the coolest and trendiest things, to putting others down so that they themselves look good.

The question is, do all those efforts make us pearls that shine in God's eyes?

Friend, true popularity shines because of good actions and character. If you want a quality of life that catches God's attention, be diligent in doing good. Speak politely and gently. Be quick to help others in need. Admit your mistakes when you are wrong, instead of becoming defensive and wanting to win. Surely, you will become one of God's beloved young people.

2. Consume the Word

“How can a young person keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” - Psalm 119:9

A consumptive lifestyle is synonymous with excessive enjoyment of shopping for luxury goods and traveling to exclusive places.

On the other hand, the lifestyle of Christian young people must be in step with God's word. We are glad and interested when discussing the word. Knowledge of the word becomes our guide and standard for life.

Not sure how to do it? Bored with reading the Bible or too lazy for quiet time? Try tips that will refresh your quiet time. Or, join a Bible discussion group so that you have companions in the struggle. If there is willingness, accompanied by prayer, you can surely become a young person who longs for the word.

3. Say No to Loose Living

“For all that is in the world, namely the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not from the Father but from the world.” - 1 John 2:16

Living in the Lord will keep us away from fleshly desires, cravings, and the pride of life. With God as the center of our lives, we can guard ourselves from worldly lusts. We realize that loose living will damage us and our future.

Guarding holiness is the lifestyle of Christian young people, because being cool in the Lord means living in purity.

“So flee youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, and peace together with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart.” - 2 Timothy 2:22  

However, living it out is not as easy as saying it. When you feel pressure from your friends, or care too much about what people say, try reflecting on this:

Am I already in an environment that is making me a better person?

Will good friends lead me into dependence on alcohol or drugs?

Will good friends / a boyfriend or girlfriend / a good group tell me to lie to my parents, or threaten to leave me if I do not follow what they want?

If necessary, look for someone you can trust or the nearest local spiritual community to discuss this with. Who knows, they may be able to offer advice and solutions for your problem.

A true Christian young person has a lifestyle that inspires others. This does not mean we cannot be cool or dress according to the trends, but we must have strong principles. We must be able to answer for the fact that what we do is pleasing to God.

Come on, let's learn to be young people who are cool in God's eyes! Who wouldn't want to be one of God's beloved children?

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