Our words define us; wouldn’t you rather be defined as a kind, honorable Christian than the people we see on TV? Our speech must be pure, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:4 “…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” Our youth just finished EQUIP where they learned how to use the Word of God in their speech to influence people. The boys presented a program where each of them taught their own short lesson, and the girls hosted an inspirational ladies luncheon where they invited women who inspired them and gave speeches about them.

Being an example is very important in a Christian’s walk, whether you’re leading a prayer or leading someone to God through a speech or by the example of your life. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:21 that Jesus left us an example to follow in His steps. 1 John 1:7 says “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

One way of young Christians being an example is to just love everyone and be kind. Our youth always go up to one of our visiting children and immediately start up a conversation with them! It is mostly because of the kids that have just a loving and friendly nature that we are growing so fast.

Teens need to remember that their faith is their own, and not their parents. They need to develop their own spirituality and love for God’s word, and not just have a routine of coming to church, zoning off, and then leaving. And even when you have faith, it’s not just enough to feel it, you have to DO it. James 2:14 and vs. 18 says “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can faith save him?” and “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

In Hebrews 11, the author uses ordinary people to do God's work. In this chapter God uses people such as Abraham and Noah. Noah acted through his faith.

N ame God's name

O bey his commandments

A ttitude of Jesus

H eaven with the Lord

Noah constructed an ark to save his household. Reading God's word provides us with the knowledge to construct our own faith.

Abraham is a perfect example of faith. God used Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his only son up to God. The Lord used Abraham because his faith was so deep that he trusted God so much that even if he did sacrifice his son, God would provide for him and give him the promise that he made. Just like Abraham, we need to have faith and be available for God to use us in extraordinary ways.

Purity is a rare gem in this day and age. What with youtube and myspace and all the things on TV, it’s pretty easy to find things that we shouldn’t find. But even in Paul’s time they had similar problems, and we should find comfort that we are not alone in our struggles. As it says in 2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.”

When you think of the word "purity", words such as "flawless" or "spotless" come to mind. Jesus is the only person in history that was without error, shouldn't he be the example to follow in our daily lives?