Life Changing Decisions for Young People to Make

There is an old saying about planting trees:

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”

As a young person, you have a unique opportunity to make important choices that will shape your life for the better. By starting today, you can make decisions that you won’t regret twenty years from now. Start today to make the changes you will appreciate in your future.

Here are four life-changing decisions you can make right now:

1. Pay Attention in Bible Class and Services

I will make a commitment to focus during Bible class and the sermon. I realize that my teachers and preacher work hard to prepare lessons to help me grow closer to God. Furthermore, God’s word is able to make me wise so I can live the best possible life on earth. By learning scripture, I will be equipped to obey Him and receive eternal salvation (2 Timothy 3:15).

To stay focused:

• I will not play, text, or pass notes to friends during class or the sermon.
• I will encourage my friends to pay attention too.
• If my friends are distracting me, I will sit somewhere else and hang out with them later.
• I will look up Bible verses and take notes to help me remember the lesson.

Listening to God’s word is a powerful way to honor Him.

2. Be a Good Example to Younger Kids

No matter how young I am, someone is always looking up to me. If I have the courage to say “no” to bad behavior, I might inspire a younger person to do the same. I want to live like Jesus, which means setting a positive example. I never want my actions to cause someone else to stumble or do wrong.

3. Show Respect to Parents and Adults

I will honor my parents and show respect to the adults in my life. Instead of assuming my opinion is the most important, I will practice listening and learning. God placed parents in charge of the family and commanded children to obey them. I will show my respect through obedience and by praying for them.

4. Keep My Language Clean

I will make sure I do not start using bad language. Hateful, crude, or unkind words do not please God, and they do not make us look older or wiser. In fact, Colossians 3:8 instructs us to put away filthy language. Before speaking, I should always ask: “Would Jesus say this?”

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These are just a few habits to build, but they are a great place to start. Always strive to be like Jesus—starting today.