Positive Expectations - Key to Teens
By Pastor Neil Earle
Once there was a teacher who
confused her student’s locker number with their IQs?
In the mixup she thought the
numbers—138, 142, 153, etc.—were measures of intelligence. She began to
treat her class accordingly. By semester’s end the principal was
astonished at the class performance.
What a lesson in positive
expectations!
Too many times teens feel negative
expectations coming from youth leaders. “Don’t leave the light on.”
“Don’t crack peanuts in the bathroom.” “Don’t hang around with
those girls.” “Don’t hang around with those guys.”
We all do it. Too often. And teens
end up thinking, “They don’t really care about me, they just want me out
of the way.”
In our new church plant in Rancho
Cucamonga we discussed how we could help in this vibrant, growing area. One
parent suggested we not leave teens out of our planning. We were directed to
a new book, “Mending
Broken Relationships” that had a chapter on teenagers. The authors
noted that even Jesus needed encouragement. Remember? “This is my Son,
whom I love; with him I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17).”
Here’s three things we can do to
help our young people:
First, listen, listen, listen.
Author Gerald Egan reminds youth leaders not to forget their own childhood
years “how unhappy they felt when censured and fretfully chided.” He
urges adults “to be young again in their feelings.” James 1:19 says,
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become
angry.”
Second, focused attention. Bring
teens in on discussions, set aside a time or a service just for them. Be
extra cheerful around them. Third, expose them to positive role models. Kids
forget programs but they remember people. Next to parents the biggest
influence on teens is other adults. Here’s where YMCA, YWCA, Little League
and Recreation Centers can help. Use them. Proverbs 18:24 says, “there is
a friend that sticks closer than a brother.”
There’s lots we can do to rev up
our teens about life with God. It can pay off big in the future. |