2 of 14

Write now Article Tools

There's not much difference between the problems faced by Christian teens and those faced by Non-Christian teens. The only difference is the Christian teen recognizes the problem as a problem while many teenagers perceive situations in a different light, due to their lack of Christian values, and therefore don't acknowledge there is a problem.

While a great number of teenagers in this generation wouldn't think twice about engaging in sex, or drinking alcohol and taking some form of drugs, the Christian teen recognizes these actions as a direct violation of God's will for their lives. And it goes beyond just these issues.

Misrepresenting the truth, outright lying, going places they shouldn't be, hanging around with people they shouldn't, skipping school, using foul language, and many more temptations are all challenges faced by teenagers.

We've all been there. We've all experienced the rejection, struggled with the hormones, tried to be the cool one, and wanted to be the other kid in the crowd that everyone seemed to gravitate toward. We've all wanted to fit in or gain the approval of our peers or that special someone who'd caught our eye and tugged at our heart strings. Why does the approval and acceptance of a teenager's peer group sometimes seem more important than God's?

In a word; self-esteem. How we feel about ourselves and the value we place on our position in society is called self-esteem. Whether that society is the family unit or a group of peers, how we see ourselves fitting in, determines our level of self-esteem or lack there of. Teens look to others their age, or within their demographical area to gauge their sense of worth.

It's not that they don't seek God's approval, because they do. They are usually still immature in their spiritual walk, however. Being accepted, in a tangible way, from kids their own age is easier to relate to than to wait patiently to grow spiritually and recognize and feel God's approval.

Many teenagers are still developing their self-esteem. As such, they are extremely sensitive to rejection by their peers. It is for this reason they find themselves struggling with temptation as they seek the approval of their peer group.

On the flip side of the coin, there are some teenagers who are very mature in their belief and faith, and while they too seek to fit in, their struggle lies not with the temptation, but in learning to accept that they are, and will, remain different from the majority of their peers, and therefore may never be understood or accepted.

They are the teenagers that others refer to as weirdos or Jesus Freaks. They're treated as if they think they're better than the others, and often times are intentionally excluded from out-of-School organized activities. And, just like the Christian teen who is struggling with temptation, they struggle with feeling like an outcast due to the steadfast confidence they have in Christ Jesus.

Couple all this with the media onslaught that depicts girls so thin you could barely see them if they stood sideways or young men who's abs are so tight you could bounce a quarter off of them, and we add to the list more pressure to be considered normal with these images as the standard.

Oh, to know what we now know and be given the chance to return to those years with the wisdom we've gained; both the Christian and Non-Christian adults among us.

The challenges that Christian teens face are many and varied. Pray that the Lord will build a hedge of protection around them as they journey through these impressionable years, and never underestimate the power of your influence in their fragile young lives.

Learn more about this author, Cyndi Li.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Common problems faced by American Christian teenagers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!