Teens

---

Teens Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Different Level
by Dan Blankenship


No doubt about it, when we are young – teenagers to be more exact – we believe the world is our playground. Careers, long-term goals, and financial stability are not major concerns to most teens. Oh, it is true that most of today’s teens will tell you the opposite, but ask a teenager who the current Hollywood hunk or sexy leading lady is, and I am sure you will receive a quick answer. Ask them which NYSE stock is currently a good prospect or which 401k-investment management company has the best record of achievement and you are likely encounter a look of bewilderment.

Valentine’s Day is the second most popular greeting card day in America (Source: Hallmark research). I couldn’t find the number one holiday card, but I would have to guess it is Christmas. The holiday is just as popular, maybe even more so, with teens.

When I was a teenager, it was obvious why this was such popular day. It was the day when young men tried to express their fondness for the opposite sex, and it was also the day when young women hoped to relay the their attraction toward their counterpart. Valentine’s Day is a day when caution is tossed aside, true feelings unleashed, and passion rules over the brain. Human hearts (how fitting that chocolates are encased in bright-colored, heart-shaped containers on this holiday) are on display, and never more so than by a teenage heart that has not been hardened by years of disappointment or struggle.

The capacity for teens to demonstrate, experience, and elevate the emotion of love to levels not often found among their adult counterpart, is a good thing. And if you have ever met a teenager in love with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then you understand how fully loaded, unbridled emotion, and a heart not cynical in nature can result in some of the most amazing testimonies, works, and devotions. This is one of the reasons ministries directed at teens are so vital to a revival in this nation and around the globe.

Today’s teens are experts in technology, groupthink, and individual expression. They are trendsetters, innovators, and leaders. If the Gospel of Jesus Christ reaches their hearts, sculpts their character, and inspires their creativity, then this planet will see revival on an unprecedented level.

Christians must never write teenagers off as a “lost generation”, for there is no generation that can be viewed as such. The message of salvation is to be universally applied. Acts 13:47 (NIV) says, “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” We are not to ignore any segment of the population as we spread the gospel. In fact, I believe that by actively supporting all forms of missionary work directed at teens, we can create a staggering ripple effect that will not only carry over to other teens but will cause the elder generations to rekindle their root of happiness – a personal and committed relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

So as this Valentine’s Day comes and goes, remember the day when you first sent the one you love a Valentine’s Day card. Concentrate on the passion that motivated you to make such an emotionally charged commitment. And then ask yourself, am I that steadfast in my commitment to the Gospel? And is it truly possible to love the creation, without loving the Creator? The passion that comes on Valentine’s Day is a gift, and that gift is to be returned to the One who imbedded in our DNA.

This Valentine’s Day, commit yourself to changing the world, to sharing the most important message ever bestowed to the masses. And teenagers, never be ashamed of your faith. It is the inspired action of the single greatest act of love ever committed – a sinless God-man giving His life so that we might have passion and hope in ours.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE