Wanting to love God is good, but good intentions on their own are not good enough. I have noticed there are some general issues youths face that some consider impossible to overcome. My objective is to address a few of these common ones with wisdom and help from God’s Word.
Before we dive in, I must highlight that loving God is wilful and active obedience to Him, not just lip service or having a good feeling when you think about Him. After all, our Saviour will only receive us into eternity with a “Well done, good and faithful servant” welcome, not “Good try, I know your heart, so I’ll give you a bly.”
ISSUE #1: I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT I HEAR AT CHURCH OR READ IN THE BIBLE.
You’re not the first and only. Although I loved reading the Bible, I struggled for many years to understand much of it. This was until I learned that only a spiritual mind can understand the Word (1 Corinthians 2:14). It requires having the Spirit of God living within, as He is the one who reveals and gives understanding to what is written or preached. If you are unsaved (or have not received the Holy Spirit), you must begin to seek Him. As you do so sincerely and diligently, you will begin to recognise that He is drawing you through different means (the Bible, the preacher, friends, etc.), with the aim of convicting you so that you become saved.
Now, if you are already saved, the Bible says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of [both] knowledge and wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). Fearing God is not about being terrified of Him but rather having a deep respect that makes you submissive (surrendered) to Him in your heart, which in turn affects your thoughts and actions. When you fear God, He will reveal to you anything in your heart that hinders your understanding. He’ll also help you stay engaged while reading or listening to the Word so you don’t miss His message.
ISSUE #2: I FEEL STUCK IN MY SIN
The fact that you feel stuck in your sin is the very reason you need God. Sin is not just something you do; it’s your very nature and master if you do not have the Holy Spirit. The question is, are you truly sick and tired of it? The feelings of despair and even apathy come from Satan, who desires to keep you from pursuing Jesus. He may have tricked and convinced you to ‘live with your demons’, but it’s all a lie. The truth is, Jesus loves you greatly and is waiting for you to run to Him as you are so He can liberate you completely as only He can. Believe in and seek Him, and you will experience the power of His redemptive love.
If you are a Christian who has fallen back into sin and even feel stuck as well, be encouraged that God’s spirit of freedom already lives within you, and so you are no longer a slave to sin. However, at some point you yielded your heart to sin and have yet to truly repent of it. You must resolve in your heart to turn from it and exercise the superpowers you have been given by God, like the command in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
I would also encourage you to study Romans chapters 6 and 8. Keep in mind, however, that while both chapters speak from the perspective of someone who has believed and received the Holy Spirit, in chapter 7, Paul breaks to reflect on his state before salvation. This distinction is essential to note because many have misinterpreted that chapter and consequently believed that someone with the Holy Spirit is still bound to sin. This belief is not only erroneous but also very detrimental, deadly even, as it weakens one’s resolve to resist sin and, by extension, stunts the spiritual life of many Christians. This will only end in eternal condemnation if not repented of, as per 2 Peter 2:20-22 and Hebrews 10:26-27.
Issue #3: MY ENVIRONMENT IS DISTRACTING AND DISCOURAGES ME FROM SEEKING GOD.
While we did not choose the family we are born into or have control over the community we live in, God’s power is not hindered by them. He is faithful to meet us right where we are. As His Word says, “But where sin abounded (is plentiful), grace (his power/influence) did much more abound.” Romans 5:20b.
Yes, it is good to be surrounded by righteous, like-minded people, but if your faith can only stand in such circumstances, then that is not the real faith of Christ, who has power over all things. Pray to Him wholeheartedly about your distractions and discouragements and ask for help. He will surely answer, but you must be ready and willing to embrace the help He sends. Only then will you begin to experience His presence and power in your life to remain focused and holy, despite your surroundings.
“If God can keep a fresh fish in saltwater, He can keep you (righteous) in a sinful world” – Donnette Norman (Co-Founder of Passion and Purity)
I trust that this article has helped, encouraged and enlightened you. Feel free to visit our website at passionandpurity.com.
Passion and Purity is a God-centered charity and para-church organisation, operating primarily in school, church, and media contexts. They aim to help others find their God-given passions and pursue same with purity.
