Tag Archives: youth

CHALLENGES YOUNG PEOPLE FACE: Memorizing Verses That Teach Holiness by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another important challenge that young people face today is memorizing verses that teach holiness. This is a very important challenge because we live in a world where immorality, impurity, and temptation are present everywhere. Christian young people need to have God’s Word stored in their hearts so that they can resist sin and remain faithful to the Lord.

The psalmist declared, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). This passage clearly demonstrates the value of Scripture memorization. When God’s Word is engraved in our minds and hearts, we have immediate access to His will during moments of trial, temptation, and decision-making.

Jesus Himself set the example for us. When He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He responded to every temptation with the words, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Our Lord used Scripture as a spiritual weapon to overcome the enemy. In the same way, young people today can overcome temptation if they know and remember God’s Word.

Holiness is not optional for the Christian; it is a divine command. God desires His people to reflect His holy character in every aspect of life. For this reason, all young Christians are encouraged to memorize and meditate on the following passages:

Verses on Holiness

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

“There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge”(Hebrews 13:4).

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9).

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

“Flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

“Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29).

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11).

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure… meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Benefits of Memorizing Verses on Holiness

  1. They help us resist the temptations of sin.
  2. They strengthen our fellowship with God.
  3. They constantly remind us of God’s will.
  4. They protect our minds from impure thoughts.
  5. They help us make wise decisions.
  6. They prepare us to teach and encourage others.
  7. They motivate us to live lives that glorify God.

The Christian young person who dedicates time to memorizing Scripture will be better prepared to face the spiritual challenges of life. When temptations arise, God’s Word will serve as a light to guide their steps and as a spiritual sword to help them overcome the enemy (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 6:17).

Every young person is encouraged to memorize these verses, meditate on them daily, and put them into practice. It is not enough merely to know them; they must also be obeyed. In this way, they can remain pure before God, be examples to others, and glorify the One who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

May every young person be able to say with the psalmist:

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).

btsop2004@gmail.com

CHALLENGES YOUNG PEOPLE FACE: “NOT ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO BE OVERCOME BY VIDEO GAMES” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another important challenge that young people face today is not allowing themselves to be overcome by video games. This is a matter that deserves serious consideration because we live in an age where digital entertainment occupies a significant portion of people’s time, attention, and energy. While video games are not inherently sinful, they can become a serious problem when they consume excessive amounts of time, interfere with daily responsibilities, weaken spiritual growth, or become more important than one’s relationship with God.

Video games are designed to be engaging and entertaining. Many games reward players with achievements, rankings, and virtual accomplishments that can create a strong desire to continue playing. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying recreation in moderation, Christians must always exercise wisdom and self-control. Anything that begins to control our thoughts, schedules, priorities, and emotions can become a spiritual danger.

Excessive time spent playing video games can be harmful because it often replaces activities that are truly important, such as prayer, Bible study, worship, church attendance, academic responsibilities, work, family relationships, and service to others. When a person loses control over the use of video games, he or she risks allowing them to become a dominant influence in life.

On one occasion, a young Christian lost the opportunity to continue his studies at a preaching school because of his dependence on video games, which negatively affected his academic performance. He devoted more time to gaming than to studying. Sadly, this situation is not unique. Many young people have seen their grades decline, their family relationships suffer, and their spiritual lives weaken because of uncontrolled gaming habits.

In some cases, excessive gaming can negatively affect a person’s physical health. Spending long hours in front of a screen may lead to sleep deprivation, fatigue, eye strain, poor posture, and a lack of physical activity. The gaming industry has even developed specialized chairs and equipment designed to make extended gaming sessions more comfortable, which can encourage individuals to remain seated for prolonged periods of time. While there is nothing inherently wrong with using such equipment, Christians should be careful not to allow comfort and entertainment to promote unhealthy habits or an unbalanced lifestyle. The apostle Paul reminded believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that they have a responsibility to glorify God through the proper care and use of their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Wise stewardship includes maintaining physical health in a way that enables us to serve God effectively and honor Him in all aspects of life. The Bible exhorts us to be wise stewards of the time God has given us. The apostle Paul wrote:

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Every day is a gift from God, and every Christian will one day give an account of how that time was used (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Time is one of the most valuable resources God has entrusted to us because once it is gone, it can never be recovered.

Young people should also remember that any activity that gains control over their lives can become a form of slavery. Paul declared:

“All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

A Christian should be governed by Christ, not by hobbies, entertainment, or personal desires. Anything that consistently controls our thoughts and behavior may become an idol in practice, even if it is not recognized as one.

The Word of God teaches the importance of maintaining proper priorities. Jesus said:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

When video games occupy first place in the heart, God no longer occupies the position He deserves. The Christian must continually evaluate whether his activities are helping him grow spiritually or distracting him from his ultimate purpose in life.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and spiritual focus. Paul compared the Christian life to that of an athlete who exercises self-control in all things:

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Just as athletes discipline themselves to achieve their goals, Christians must discipline themselves to pursue spiritual growth and eternal rewards.

Young people must also remember that life is short. Solomon encouraged youth to remember their Creator during the days of their youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Many people look back with regret on the years they wasted on temporary pleasures when those years could have been invested in serving God, learning His Word, and helping others.

Furthermore, Christians should be careful regarding the content of the games they choose to play. Some games glorify violence, immorality, profanity, greed, revenge, and other attitudes contrary to Biblical principles. Paul instructed believers:

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Entertainment should never lead Christians to become comfortable with sinful attitudes or behaviors.

Therefore, what can young people do to avoid being overcome by video games?

1. Cultivate Self-Control

2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Peter 1:5-6; Galatians 5:22-23.

Christians must learn to control their desires and habits rather than allowing those desires and habits to control them.

2. Learn to Use Time Wisely

Colossians 4:5; Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Organize your schedule so that responsibilities and spiritual activities receive proper priority.

3. Pray for Wisdom

James 1:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7.

God can help you make wise decisions regarding the use of your time and resources.

4. Spend Your Time Doing God’s Will

Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 12:1-2.

Invest more time in activities that strengthen your relationship with God.

5. Grow in Your Love for God

Mark 12:30; Deuteronomy 6:5.

As your love for God increases, worldly pursuits naturally assume their proper place.

6. Dedicate More Time to Reading the Bible

1 Timothy 4:13; Psalm 119:97, 105.

God’s Word strengthens faith and provides guidance for daily living.

7. Study the Scriptures Diligently

2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18.

Spiritual growth requires effort, commitment, and consistency.

8. Surround Yourself with Good Spiritual Influences

1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20.

The right friends can help you maintain a healthy balance and encourage spiritual growth.

9. Use Your Youth to Glorify God

Ecclesiastes 12:1; 1 Timothy 4:12.

The best years of life should be dedicated to serving the Lord and preparing for eternity.

10. Regularly Examine Your Priorities

1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17.

Ask yourself whether your activities are bringing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him.

11. Set Reasonable Limits on Entertainment

Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Establish healthy boundaries regarding screen time and recreational activities.

12. Become Involved in Service to Others

Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 6:10.

Serving others helps Christians focus on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures.

13. Remember the Eternal Reward

Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:23-24.

The greatest reward is not found in virtual achievements but in faithful service to God.

Video games can be a form of entertainment, but they must never become the center of a Christian’s life. The wise young person understands that time is precious and limited. Therefore, he seeks to use it in ways that honor God and produce fruit for eternity.

Let us remember the words of Jesus:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Temporary activities have their place, but spiritual matters possess eternal value. No level, achievement, trophy, ranking, or virtual success can compare to a faithful relationship with God and the hope of eternal life.

May every young Christian strive to place God first, exercise self-control, use time wisely, and pursue spiritual growth above all else. Time spent with God, in His Word, in prayer, and in His service will always produce far greater blessings than any passing form of entertainment.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

btsop2004@gmail.com