Young people and old, we need your heart, your compassion and your critical thinking skills to make this world a better place, hang on

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4: 15-16

Later this week, my wife and I will join other people to help comfort and support a family as they bury their college-aged son who took his own life when in a moment of weakness he felt hopeless. 

Clinical depression is sadly under-rated. Oh, there may be a diagnosis for the sake of medication that could be prescribed, but most of us are too ashamed to admit we have a problem or see someone to talk about what is bothering us.  In the video above, you will see that the teen and the young adult brain does poorly at critical thinking tasks when they are scared than older adults.

Sadly, one article suggested that the latest rash of suicides among teenagers and young adults can be linked to the political rhetoric coming out of Washington D.C. When young people and older people read about politicians trash talking one another or the political rhetoric regarding gun control, or the constant barrage of school shootings,  it sends a message to teens and young adults that the world is an unstable place to live in.  Until roughly the age of 26, teens and young adults are susceptible to high-risk behaviors that can cost them their lives.

The moment school districts decided to eliminate their book collections in favor of the convenience of Ipads, the door became ajar allowing for scary things to come into the minds of young people at a time they needed to learn.  Yet, I know we can't just eliminate the internet or throw out our electronic gadgets!  But, we can balance what we read on the internet with what God's word says to us.  I remember the references in the Bible the difference between building our foundation in sand versus on the rock. In Matthew are these words- '24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Until the adolescent brain fully develops they are vulnerable to the words of others to the point that those words may crowd out what God says about them.  Neil Anderson reminds us of who God says we are:

I'm Accepted

John 1:12 I am God's child. 

John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. 

Romans 5:1 I have been justified (declared righteous). 

1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. 

1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body. 

Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. 

Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ. 

Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

To all young people, we need you in this world. Your knowledge and your critical thinking skills are what is needed to lift our world to a better place. Let God's word be your guiding light to that success.