The Beauty of Adolescence – 1

Dear Readers,

Welcome to this exciting month of December. May God perfect all that concerns you in Jesus’ name. As the months wind up, I will encourage you to take enough time to praise God for what He has done for you. This month, I shall be focusing on The Beauty of Adolescence.

Apart from Adam and Eve, nobody came into this world as an adult. The Word says: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis.1:27). Everyone was given birth to and grew into adulthood, including our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word says: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him (Luke 2:40). However, there are stages of growth, and one of them is called adolescence. This period is so crucial to the future of the individual that it can determine the quality of his/her adulthood. Therefore, let us take a look at the beauty of this stage.

What is Adolescence? Adolescence is the period in which the child develops into an adult. When a child gets to this period, he/she is referred to as an adolescent (young/youth). The beauty of adolescence can be said to be the quality of being attractive (beautiful), and this is the time a child develops into an adult. The Word says: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (Psalms 139:14).

There is only one quality that can make you attractive as an adolescent and that quality is Godliness. Any adolescent that has this quality, which can be exhibited both physical and spiritual, is known as a godly adolescent (Luke 2:52).

Here are the Stages of Adolescence

• Early Adolescence (Age of 10-13). This is when physical changes start appearing in the body (puberty). Some noticeable things that characterise this stage is heightened curiosity, need for privacy, anxiety, need for social acceptance, etc. Therefore, hunger and passion or the things of God must be encouraged at this stage. The Word says: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalms 51:10). God’s Word must be chosen over the fears, concerns or worries that may arise (Proverbs 29:25).
• Middle Adolescence (Age 14-17). At this stage, physical changes begins to get broader and more obvious. More risks are taken at this stage, and there is high tendency to disobey rules and regulations. However, one should hunger more for God and get deeper understanding of His person at this stage. The Word says: The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live (Psalms 119:144).
• Late Adolescence (Ages 18-21). This is the last stage of adolescence as the young individual graduates to adulthood. At this stage, the physic and mind are fully developed.

Therefore, an adolescent needs to learn the act of renewal of the mind, living above the world’s standards and living according to the dictates of God‘s Word. So you can reflect the light of God and shine for him anywhere you go (Matthew 5:16).

However, to bear God’s light everywhere you go, you need to be born again. if you are not born again, please say this prayer of faith: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner, and I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. From today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I am Born Again.

Congratulations! You are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Holy Ghost: Your Helper, Overcoming Anxiety, Single not Entangled and Single with A Difference.