The lesson below is one I share in the class I teach at my church for the 11-12 year olds. Last night the thought kept running through my head that the awkward, gangly middle schoolers are not so different from adults. The problems may be slightly different but we are just as tortured by OPO's (Other People's Opinions) when we look to them for validation rather than God. OPO's can be real bullies!
1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on the alert...stand firm in the faith...act like men...be strong."
Where did we get the idea that everybody has to like us? Certainly not from God's Word. Jesus said His blessings were reserved for the "persecuted and reviled" (See Mt 5:10-11). If you're thin skinned you'll have a rough time because you'll be an easy target for the enemy. Endurance is the secret, not popularity. Paul endured desertion by his friends, ugly letters from the Corinthians, disappointment with the Galatians, mistreatment in Philippi, mocking in Athens, plus imprisonment and beheading in Rome. So what are you complaining about? In the Book of Corinthians he writes 4 things you need to pay attention to:
1. Be on the alert! The enemy is out to get you. What's he after? The deposit of God that's within you. You are a seed capable of producing a harvest for God in the earth, so protect yourself.
2. Stand firm in the faith! You can't stand on your circumstances or the opinions of others because these things constantly change. No, you can stand only on the Word of God. Are you?
3. Act like men (and Women)! Being childish won't cut it when the battle rages. It's time to grow up. If you're still making the same mistakes, you're not learning enough.
4. Be strong! Weakness is an invitation to your enemy. It always precedes surrender, and quitting is not and option for you! God told His people that the Promised Land was theirs, but they had to fight for it. He says the same to you today!
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