God has designed life to be a wonderful adventure, from the first breath on the planet to the day we leave for our forever home. There are distinct and delightful phases to the journey, each unique and filled with purpose. But they all pass more quickly than we think. Understand the design, challenges, and opportunities of each phase so you can find fulfillment along the way and complete the journey with joy. 

Adolescence is a time to help children learn tomake smarter decisions, have stronger relationships, and build a deep faith.

Message Notes

These transition years between childhood and adulthood are full of questions and uncertainty. It is so important that youth:

1. Receive loads of affirmation.

2. Get all the help they need to make smarter decisions.

3. Learn how to have stronger relationships.

4. Build a deep faith.

Paul had this kind of relationship with Timothy and his young friends.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
I Timothy 4:12

Every adolescent needs someone who can help them answer the questions they are actually asking.

Who cares?
Who do I like?
Who am I?
Where do I belong?
Why should I believe?
How can I matter?
What will I do?
What’s next?

Do your best to influence whoever has the influence.

Don’t be rude or insensitive or heartless; but, there will be times when what is best for a kid is hard for an adult. Have courage.

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God said.”
II Corinthians 6:14-16

Affirm their personal journey.

Show up. Prove your commitment, no matter what.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11

Mobilize their potential.

Guide their values and passions as they launch into the realities of life.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
II Timothy 1:6

Know what you do every single week matters.

When your child is 12 years old, you have 312 more weeks until he/she is a legal adult.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

Don’t miss Sunday.

You are not the only adult your kid needs.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
I Thessalonians 2:7-8

It’s a phase! Don’t miss it!

Bottom Line

Every adolescent needs someone who can help them answer the questions they are actually asking.

Action Steps

1. Make and follow a plan to be accessible to and acquainted with the influencers in your child’s life.

2. Make a tangible reminder and an actual schedule to productively use the rapidly passing time with your child. Rituals are powerful and effective.