Unifying Authorities

By Joshua Cox

“…and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” –Ecclesiastes 4:12b

Why do our good, solid young people seem to flee the local church when out on their own? Even more, why do many preacher’s kids and full-time ministry worker’s kids flee the local church even faster? While there are many possible answers to these tragic questions, I have seen a threefold cord of authority work in my life. A unified authority in the life of a teenager pulls like a threefold cord in the direction of righteous living in the will of God.

The threefold cord of authority is made up of three institutions—home, church, and school. If these three authorities are unified and all pull in the same direction in a young person’s life, a teen is more likely to make positive decisions.

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Say Something Nice To Me

By Cary Schmidt

“When you’re a teenager, you’re always in trouble…” She was speaking as a recent graduate of our youth group and was trying to give me a little insight as to how most teenagers feel. I thought I would put her theory to the test. A week or so later, in front of a gathering of several hundred teenagers I asked this question, “How many of you feel like someone is always on your case—like you’re always trouble?” Now, mind you, this was in a group of pretty good kids—most of them had good attitudes and sincere hearts. Never have I seen such immediate and unanimous response from teenagers! Every single hand went straight up into the air. An unsuspecting eye might have thought we were at a charismatic healing convention!

I must say, while we all laughed briefly, my heart went out in that moment. Here I was staring in the faces of some of the greatest Christian teenagers in the country and yet they apparently felt like failures. I mean, these kids dress right, live right, give, win souls, serve, and love the Lord! They are the creme of the crop, and yet when asked directly, they felt like blots on society!

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The Importance of Family Memories

by Troy Dorrell

In the multivariable equation of raising good teenagers, one of the things that will create a bond of affection between teen and parent is good memories. Everyone’s hearts are endeared to people and places when positive memories are associated with them.

Over the years, Teri and I have purposely built many enduring memories into the fabric of our children’s lives. I can’t remember when it began, but many years ago a family tradition was started that no doubt will bring a smile to the faces of our children in the years to come and most likely will be passed on to their families as well.

 
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