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Christian teens hear a lot about “Godly behavior” but often wonder what that actually means. As Christians, we are asked to live to a higher standard because we are representatives of God on Earth. So striving to live a God-centered life is important. Because when we exhibit Godly behavior, we are providing a good witness to those around us.

God expects Christian teens to live by a higher standard. This means that God wants us to be examples of Christ rather than living by the world’s standards. Reading your Bible, praying, and doing regular devotions are helpful ways to know God’s expectations and live a life focused on God.

Romans 13:13 – “Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.” (NLT).

Ephesians 5:8 – “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light" (NLT).

One of the greatest witnesses to non-believers is the Christian teen setting a Godly example. Unfortunately, most people have little faith that teens can make good decisions, so Christian teens exemplifying godly behavior are a powerful representation of God's love.

Romans 12: 2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

Taking time to ask how your behavior and appearance are perceived by others is an important part of being a Christian. Everything a Christian teen does influences what people think of Christians and God. You are a representative of God, and your behavior is part of demonstrating your relationship with Him. Does this mean you will be perfect? No. We all make mistakes and sin. However, it is important to keep striving to walk in Jesus' footsteps as best we can.

THREEFOLD KEYS TO GODLY BEHAVIOR

(1) TRAIN your children

Proverbs 20:11 “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”

A child’s conduct is important to God and should, therefore, be of great importance to parents. A child is known by his actions – Believe me, your children’s conduct is obvious to onlookers. It is actually a part of your total testimony.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. This is the Bible's promise, period. Treasure this principle, apply it and hold onto it. Training a child in godly ways involves repetition, reinforcement, encouragement, sometimes over and over. But in the end, it is worth it!

(2) LOVE your children

Titus 2:3-4 “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.”

Children thrive on love. The story is told of an English hospital in the 19th century. There were young, orphaned children there who received medical attention but little or no emotional support. Many of those ill children would simply languish and die. But a lady janitor who worked the hospital night shift asked for permission to carry a declining child in a sling on her hip while she worked. She would lavish attention and love upon the child while she swept and cleaned. And, lo and behold, some of those children who had been “ailing to thrive” and were expected to decline and die, reversed course and responded to her love by rallying back to health. Love is powerful!

Dear Parents, tell your children and show them often that you love them.

(3) DISCIPLINE your children

Proverbs 13:24 “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Discipline them diligently, consistently, and early in life. You say, “I love them too much to discipline them.” No! You don’t. The Bible says that you “hate” them if you neglect the discipline they need. Start early.

Years ago a family that had successfully raised godly children told me that they taught their children the meaning of the word “no” beginning at 6 months. I am not saying to spank babies.

You’re preparing your children, in obedience to Titus 2:11-12, to be able to say “no” to sinful inclinations

Notice that love and discipline go hand in hand “...he who loves him is careful to discipline him.”

Remember our threefold key: love, training, and discipline. All three are needed, in a good balance.

Shalom!