the plastics - September 1-4, 2016

I can really relate to this quote!  Some days it seems I barely get out of bed and get the cobwebs cleared before the Lord is gently reminding me again of an important truth.  We know we need his help every second of the day, it's just that we want to appear like we have our lives somewhat figured out.  The painful parts, the deep, cutting hurts, the feelings of unworthiness...  those are the parts we don't allow others to see.
Proverbs 6:16-19 gives us the list of things the Lord hates:

1. ​Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked schemes
5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6. A false witness who pours out lies
7. A man who stirs up dissension among brothers

Sometimes we (teens and parents included) are more concerned with appearing to have life figured out than seeking God.  We need to remind ourselves that living life honestly is important, especially if we want to share our faith with others.  People don't relate to a facade of having it all together; they relate to what's actually going on inside of us: crises of faith, human struggles, feelings of unworthiness. ​We all struggle.  We all hurt.  But when we allow others to see us as human, stronger bonds are created with friends and peers, and our lives become more authentic.  We don't need to be afraid of our messy lives.  When we are vulnerable, we give others the courage to be vulnerable as well.  The choice to be real is up to us.  Although God doesn't want us to live a deceptive life, ultimately God allows us to choose how we will live.

​ASK YOUR TEEN:
Are you able to be vulnerable with friends?

​CHALLENGE YOUR TEEN:
​This week, risk begin real with someone close to you.

---