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Addictions

Is Scripture Irrelevant to Contemporary Teens?

Last updated on June 15, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

boy holding bibleAccording to Solomon, there’s “nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). But that was thousands of years ago. What about our own modern world, with its constantly outdated clothing styles and technology?

It’s easy to think that our own struggles and sinful pressures are unique — if not to us personally, at least to our generation. That’s a dangerous trap, especially for teens. The worst possible outcome is that they can see Scripture as irrelevant to their own lives.

Now, I’m not encouraging a dishonest, pop-culture remake of the Bible; instead, I’d like to encourage an honest look at the sugar-coated flannel graph or animated version often portrayed to our kids.

class at churchTMI

Yes, there can be too much information, or too much, too soon. While biblical accounts of sexual sin and morbid violence are inappropriate for small children, it’s probably best to wait to introduce them when kids are older than to retell them beyond recognition.

For instance, the Veggie Tales version of King David’s sin with Bathsheba has him coveting someone else’s rubber ducky — a not-so-subtle but admittedly age-appropriate and entertaining bow to Bathsheba’s public bathing. While the reworked story addresses some of the sin issues involved, I’m afraid it might not give the proper respect to the true story — or the reality of timeless sexual temptation.

In addition to David’s adultery, sensitive issues are addressed in accounts such as Noah’s drunkenness and nudity (Genesis 9), Judah’s incest (Genesis 38), and mass infanticides (Exodus 1, Matthew 2).

FYI

young girl by tree reading bibleFor your information, even a cursory reading of the Scripture passages above makes it clear that the atrocities of infidelity and abortion are not unique to our society. Yet we hear so many complain of today’s rampant immorality — and the related temptations — as being unique.

Clearly, it was far worse in Noah’s society, in which “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). And there was only one exception: Noah (Genesis 6:8, 9).

While those dedicated to God and His Word may not be in the majority today, there’s certainly more than just one family standing against the ungodliness in our culture and for Christian principles.

family in front of churchIMO

In my opinion, we’re better off than those in earlier generations. Sure, we have more access to sinful temptations; but I think that modern mobility and technology allow for many benefits as well, more than balancing out those increased opportunities for sin.

In addition to the benefit of many fellow believers in countless local churches and other Christian organizations that can help us, we have an abundance of resources at our fingertips. From Christian music to Bible study tools, modern technology and communication provide countless possibilities for biblical instruction and edification.

We also have the completed canon of Scripture — something Noah and David and even John and Paul did not have at their disposal.

Instead of letting ignorance of Bible accounts give our young people an excuse to give in to temptation, we need to remind them of their responsibility before God (2 Timothy 2:22, Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Filed Under: Addictions, Behavior & Emotions

Underage Drinking: More of a Problem Than You May Think

Last updated on June 10, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

teen alcohol problemAs the most used and abused drug among American teens, alcohol routinely puts teens at risk for alcohol addictions as well as related illnesses and injuries, some resulting in deaths. According to the Center for Disease Control, underage drinking is a public health concern that puts many at risk.

Commonness of Underage Drinking

Even though it’s illegal for people under age 21 to drink alcohol, those between the ages of 12 and 20 drink a remarkable 11% of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. And it’s not just a slim minority of teens who are drinking: In a 2009 survey among high school students, the following percentages reflect their admitted behavior over the past month:

  • 10% had driven after drinking alcohol.
  • 19% report binge drinking.
  • 24% admitted to binge drinking.
  • 28% had knowingly ridden with an intoxicated driver.
  • 42% had drunk alcohol in some form.

According to another survey unbound by a time frame, 72% of high school seniors and 37% of 8th students had at least experimented with alcohol.

underage teen boys drinking beerResults of Underage Drinking

When you combine the frequency of underage drinking with the fact that underage drinkers typically drink more on each occasion than legal drinkers, it’s no surprise that over 90% of the alcohol consumed by underage persons is part of binge drinking. The combination of inexperience, adolescent foolishness, and binging is often devastating, and sometimes fatal. According to a 2008 study, nearly 200,000 emergency visits by those under 21 took place due to conditions or injuries related to alcohol consumption.

In addition to direct health risks, underage drinkers are also more likely to experience other consequences as a result of drinking. Such results include these:

  • Abusing other drugs
  • Disrupting of normal physical growth and sexual development
  • Enduring physical or sexual assault
  • Dealing with memory problems and mental development
  • Participating in unprotected, unplanned, and often unwanted sexual activity
  • Having problems at school, such as frequent absences and failing grades
  • Being the victim of suicide or homicide
  • Dealing with social problems
  • Dying from alcohol poisoning

Lifelong Consequences of Underage Drinking

bondage of alcoholMany of the results listed above have lifelong consequences. Of course, topping that list would be those who die from alcohol poisoning, homicide, or suicide. Even those who survive their teenage drinking binges may have far-reaching consequences plaguing them throughout adulthood. Memory problems and issues with physical growth or mental or sexual development can affect young people for years after their youthful drinking phase. For many, though, that phase becomes a lifestyle: Those who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely (than those who wait until they’re legal) to abuse alcohol or become addicted to it as adults.

Many parents fail to realize the many severe problems that stem from underage drinking. Sadly, even those who do realize the problems frequently fail to take steps to protect their teenage children from those consequences.

Photo credits: Top & Middle © Monkey Business / Fotolia. Bottom © dragon_fang / Fotolia.

Filed Under: Addictions

What Technology Reveals About Today’s Teens, Part 2

Last updated on June 5, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

listening to musicIt’s pretty clear that like generations that have gone before them, today’s teens have a thirst for social interaction. They’re often using gadgets to fulfill that desire, but it’s insatiable (see Part 1). They can become addicted and are sometimes undiscriminating in what they post or text. They need guidance from mature mentors, to be sure. But there’s something they even more desperately need.

Needing God

The goal can’t be to “convert them” to the ways of previous generations or our own preferences, but to be part of their own world and utilize the resources God has given them in a set apart way. In a way that honors Him, leaves room for Him.

There’s something more important underneath all the constant texting and listening to playlists; sometimes misguided Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube posts or comments; and even eye-rolling or outbursts when tech-free time is imposed. Perhaps there’s a silence or loneliness your teen doesn’t want to feel. Questions they don’t want to face.

Only when thumbs are still and music is quiet can we hear God (Psalm 46:10). Only when we set aside all our manmade devices can we see His Creation (Psalm 19:1). And only when we stop to consider His greatness will we be drawn to praise Him (Psalm 77:12).

At that point, we will realize our need to make less of ourselves and more of Him (John 3:30) and even begin to understand devotion like that of John or Paul in the Bible, no less attempt to mimic it ourselves (Philippians. 1:21).

breakfast textingNeeding Privacy

On a positive note, research indicates that teens do report various types of purposeful online interactions. Each person’s experience with social networking is different, but most have had positive interactions and grown to feel closer to others through it. However, others have seen negative effects of posts or comments that they’ve made.

Unlike the seeming disconnect between online personas and real-life reputations that the pioneers of online socializing thought was there, many of today’s teens understand that their online behavior counts. As a result, though, many have learned how to hide information from some people, namely Mom and Dad. Some even have separate Facebook accounts for interacting with family versus friends.

When we have meaningful communication with our Lord, we won’t hide. Or need to. We’ll invite God into all corners of our world — online and otherwise — desiring His presence and evaluation (Psalm 139). That might not mean today’s teens want all their social interactions seen by Mom and Dad, just like you didn’t want your diary read, but still.

In the end, even our idyllic memories of shared lemonade on the front porch don’t measure up. When teens understand their deepest need and most gratifying relationship are met in God and Christ, they’ll be different from others in their generation (Romans 12:2). The thing is, so will we.

Filed Under: Addictions, Communication, Entertainment

Why “Fifty Shades” Is Dangerous (For You and Your Teen)

Last updated on May 31, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

pretty young teen girl holding book
Has your teen daughter read or seen Fifty Shades of Grey? Have you? If not, have either of you wanted to? Besides curiosity and wanting to be in-the-know about the popular novel and box office sensation, why do you have that desire? Maybe you don’t even know. Maybe all you’ve told yourself or your daughter is “no.” If you’re not sure, we hope to convince you that that is the right choice. Either way, we hope you’ll dig a little deeper and realize more fully the deeper issues lurking in our hearts, allowing you to appreciate God’s grace a little more.

You don’t want to make it your favorite book or movie, but you’d like to at least have a first-hand opinion about it. Maybe you want to see it for yourself, just once, to make an informed decision. Those who counsel people with disturbed minds say it isn’t worth it, and God’s Word says there’s wisdom in “the multitude of counselors” (Proverbs 15:22).

A secular psychiatrist makes an open letter to young people available, begging them not to see the film. Why? She writes to them directly: “I don’t want you to suffer like the people I see in my office, so I’m warning you about a new movie called Fifty Shades of Grey. Even if you don’t see the film, its message is seeping into our culture, and could plant some dangerous ideas in your head. Be prepared.”

In another segment, the same psychiatrist warns of a major deception inherent in the story: “Fifty Shades of Grey is being released for Valentine’s Day, so you’ll think it’s a romance. Don’t fall for it. The movie is actually about a sick, dangerous relationship filled with physical and emotional abuse.” (She also offers a “survival guide” to help parents discuss the issue of BDSM that the novel and movie have helped gain acceptance in mainstream entertainment. Even if your kids don’t read or see it, they will be exposed, and although from a secular perspective, she does offer some helpful ideas.)

There’s no mistaking the fact of what this popular book and movie can do. Rachel Coyle writes, “The book Fifty Shades of Grey is pornography for the mind’s eye as women conjure up sexual thoughts and images while reading. The movie is pornography for the physical eye, no imagination required.”

How is it dangerous? Coyle explains a common scenario for those addicted to pornography: “You may be dipping your toes into the pool of pornography through reading erotic literature or viewing images (like this movie), but you never know when pornography will wrap its chains around you and imprison your mind. A ‘dip’ leads to a wade, and then the current draws you deeper in, deeper down, until you find yourself drowning in it.”

Be sure to look at Part 2: “What Fifty Shades Says and Satisfies.”

Image credits: Top © Sergey Nivens/Fotolia

Filed Under: Addictions, Sex & Pregnancy

Cocaine Use in Teens

Last updated on May 26, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

snorting boyCocaine use in teenagers is a very, very troubling subject, a subject that should be taken seriously by all parents of teenaged children. If you suspect that your son or daughter might be using cocaine, then it is very important that you seek the necessary advice and assistance. Below you will find the three most important basic facts about cocaine use in teens:

1. It does happen.

Although cocaine is not the most popular drug among teenagers, because it is such a dangerous and unpredictable drug, any cocaine use among the teenaged segment of the population is cause for distress. Statistics indicate that about six million people over the age of twelve have used cocaine at least once in the past year, and approximately one in twenty high school seniors have used cocaine in the past year. Even younger students have tried cocaine, with over three percent of 10th graders having used cocaine within the past year. Part of cocaine’s popularity is rooted in the fact that it can be taken in a number of ways: Cocaine is usually snorted, but it can also be injected or smoked. If you are worried that your child could be using cocaine, it’s important to learn more about the drug’s signs and symptoms.

2. The short term effects are obvious.

If you think that your teen could be using cocaine, then look for the obvious signs and symptoms. The short term effects of cocaine- that is, the effects that occur immediately after taking the drug- are rather distinct. You would be hard pressed to confuse the signs of a teen high on cocaine with the signs of a teen high on another drug like, for example, marijuana. Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant, and its effects include increased blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, and dilated pupils. Teens who use cocaine often report increased mental alertness, increased energy, decreased appetite, euphoria, a feeling of supremacy or invincibility, and increased body temperature. They also report more negative immediate effects, such as paranoia, restlessness, anxiety, and irritability. The high that teens get from snorting cocaine usually wears off in a short time period of 30 minutes to two hours, and during this time your teen is likely to be talk very quickly, sniff often, seem absentminded, lose track of their thoughts, and act very hyper. Also, because cocaine is so expensive, teen cocaine users often resort to stealing in order to finance their drug habit.

3. The long term effects are terrible.

If you suspect that your teen is a cocaine user, it is vitally important that you intervene as soon as possible. Cocaine is one of the most highly addictive drugs available, and as such, it can be extremely difficult for your teen to stop using once their cocaine use has become habitual. Long term cocaine use can result in a huge number of serious medical problems, including an increased risk of seizures, strokes, respiratory problems, heart attacks, and brain damage. These long term side effects are in addition, of course, to the possible harm caused by incidental side effects like violent behavior, needle sharing (amongst teens who inject their cocaine), and unprotected sexual encounters.

Cocaine use in teens is a major issue, one that concerned parents should take very seriously. If your son or daughter has exhibited the signs and symptoms of a cocaine habit, it is crucial that you address this problem immediately. Stopping cocaine use is a long and arduous process, one that will likely result in intense frustration and emotional pain, so do not attempt to go it alone. Instead, seek professional help.

Filed Under: Addictions

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