2nd trait: Troublemaker

TROUBLEMAKER: He habitually causes difficulties or problems. He even incites others to defy those in authority. He has a mind of his own and doesn't abide to any rules or regulations. Let's look at what the Bible says about them in Proverbs 6:16-19: "Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes (abhor, detest, hate) with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family."

This kind of behaviour is abominable, detestable to God. He fells repugnance toward this type of attitude because that was the spirit the devil manifested before being cast out of heaven.

Are you a peacemaker or troublemaker?

Next week we'll uncover the 3rd trait of an ungodly youth.

God bless you.

Tap out!

Last Saturday I had the privilege of baptizing 7 youths from our YPG headquarters here in Houston, Texas. It was my first baptism in water ceremony in this particular youth group. In fact, the first of many. It's so good to see young people giving up on this colorful and deceiving world in order to serve God with the best they have, their youth. Baptism is faith in action. I can only become a true child of God through the baptism.

Until then, I am a mere creature, just like everyone else. There are many youths who avoid doing so due to the seriousness of such ceremony. They know that one must be ready to turn his back on the world and follow God. The question is: do they want to let go of the world? No. The thought of not going to parties, night clubs, getting high, drinking, sleeping around is too much for them.

They can't picture that. It's too much to handle. They say: how can I survive in this world without my friends? Oh mindless generation! They think life with God is dull and tedious. Anyway, it's a matter of choice. My friends gave me nothing. When I came to church they were no where to be found. I frequented night clubs almost every weekend and it added absolutely zilch. I chose to surrender. Just like when a UFC fighter is getting battered by his opponent and he has to tap out. I tapped out! I could not live my life without God anymore. Hence I got baptized.

How about you? Are you willing to tap out or you'll try to remain standing while the world beat the hell out of you?

1st trait: Indecision

Some youths were stunned with what was discussed in our last YPG meeting, when we uncovered the first trait: INDECISION. I believe some of them were expecting to hear something like addiction, promiscuity, hate, envy, etc.

They guessed wrong. Indecision is a trait of those who don't live by faith. They are always divided between thoughts. Jesus once said, 'But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.' (James 5:12). In another occasion He said, 'So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:16). In other words, pick one.

No matter the outcome of that decision, just pick one. If the result isn't good then at least you've learned a lesson. It will be different next time. You will acquire some experience. If you continue wavering between thoughts then you will never achieve anything, neither learn with your mistakes.

Can you handle the truth?

This week we begin a series of seven meetings called the 7 Traits of the Ungodly Youth. Trait is a distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically one belonging to a person. One can be easily identified as the child of a particular person by the features that he or she presents. Even our body tissues or fluids (DNA) can identify who our parents are. The same rule applies to our spiritual life. How can we identify if a person is of God or not?

Within seven weeks we'll be exploring the 7 common traits that ungodly youths have. I'm sure some won't be pleased with what they are about to hear but the truth must be told. Young people don't like to hear the truth as they will be thwarted in their desire to follow the impulses of their own flesh.

And they won't have any excuse to continue living their lives recklessly (by the way, recklessness is one of the topics to be covered). I will be sharing the 7 traits with you weekly. Therefore keep yourself updated to this blog. Can you handle the seven weeks?

Woe to the earth!

Why is it that God commanded Joshua 3 times to be strong and courageous? Was Joshua stupid? Was he old in age? Or was God talking to a kid? None of the previous suggestions, of course. God knew and He knows that life here on earth is tough. He wasn't preparing Joshua for a battle but for many battles. Some people think that after coming to church life will become a bed of roses, that things will run as smooth as... the petals of those roses on the bed. Revelation 12.12 says all.

Earth is a battlefield. Our enemy, the devil, and his subordinates, the demons, are out and about devising plans and strategies to hamper our success. He plays dirty. He will attack from everywhere, at work, at school, at home, even in the church. It's our duty to be alert, always in spirit. The angels overcame the devil by the WORD of their testimony. Do I need to say more? It's war!

The curator

Some youths would be much better off by getting a job at a museum. Yes, they like to talk about their past so much that they would probably become a very good curator. They like to keep the past alive in their memories.

Just like a curator, they make sure the history of their lives is intact in their memories. I sit down to talk to them and they quickly travel back in time in order to make their point. It's something like this, 'My dad left us when I was 3 years-old. I hate him. I wish he was dead! That's why I am the way I am.' or something like, 'My parents never showed their love or care for me. That's why I have this boyfriend who 'loves' me.'

Does their current lifestyle justify their parents absence or lack of love? Of course not. But no matter how hard we try to show them that what they are doing is just in vain, that they are only hurting themselves. They are not open to the idea that God can help them forget their past and invest in their future. They seem to love history.