Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
You may want to get out of your home as soon as possible when you are an adult. But even if you get out of your home, you can’t really escape your family. Your family leaves an impression on you that lasts a lifetime.
The relationship that we have with our family will determine our future course.
As we saw in Exodus 6:1-3, your life will be better if you honor your parents. This means that you should take the opportunity now to learn what you can from your mom and dad. The lessons you learn from them today will impact your future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We repeat things in our lives – both good and not-so-good. The thing we despise; we can become.
Lots of adults have said that they would never be like their parents – or at least like the annoying parts of their parents. And yet, when we become adults we can take on those traits we don’t like if we aren’t careful. It’s helpful to identify sinful patterns in your family that you want to avoid in the future.
Look for godly examples. Look to God.
The best way to attain future success is to have godly mentors in your life. Hopefully, your parents can be these mentors. As a teenager, it’s important to have other mentors in your life, in addition to your parents. Maybe your parents aren’t Christians. In that case, look for mentors in your small group and church who can help you follow God. Ultimately, no one is perfect. So, the ultimate one we look to in life is Jesus Christ.
You can determine the course of your future.
You don’t have to be defined by your family. People in your family may have made lots of mistakes. You don’t have to. God is on your side and he has wonderful plans for your future. You can experience those plans as you honor him today by being an example of his love in your family.
Watch and Discuss:
- What did you think of this week’s video? What’s something you took away from it?
- What is something you want to be when you grow up? Why? How has your family influenced that desire?
- What would you say is the best thing about your family? Why do you think that is the best thing?
- What would you say is the hardest thing about living with your family? Why would you say that?
- How would you say your family has influenced who you have become today (both positively and negatively)? Why do you think that?
- Read Jeremiah 29:11. What do you think this verse means and is talking about? What is God’s plan for you according to this verse? What can that look like in your life?
- Would you say that your present life is on the right course for you to become who you want to be in your future? How so? If not, why not and how can you start to get it on track?
