Often when I counsel struggling teens they admit to neither praying nor reading God's Word. Because of a lack of surrender, they miss out on the direction and power that God would otherwise supply (Psalm 1). Internally they are bored and empty. Externally they appear bored and directionless. When in conflict they typically respond fearfully, angrily, or bitterly. When asked if they want to do right, the answer is YES. When asked if they are willing (surrendered) to do right, the answer is a resounding NO. This is hypocrisy: hypocrisy that is often hidden behind churchy words, churchy apparel, a churchy face, and churchy actions. They know how to play the Game of Church.

More and more now teens tell me that they don't read the Bible, but they do pray. They seem to take comfort in this and think that the idea of being "somewhat surrendered" puts them ahead in the Game of Church. But it doesn't. It's merely partial obedience, and church is NO game. Pastor Sproul often says that partial obedience is complete disobedience. Did you get that? Complete disobedience.

Good relationships are founded on good communication (two-way conversation). It's talk and listen, speak and spoken to, ask and answer, teach and learn. A person who prays without reading God's Word doesn't want conversation or relationship. He wants a rabbit's foot for good luck and a genie for great stuff. The message is clear, "God, you need to hear me, but I don't need to listen to you." It is selfish pride on parade.

There must be surrender to God and this surrender must be unconditional. A lack of surrender means a continuing of hostilities towards God. Yikes! Remember, God resists those who fight against him (James 4:6). So, when does a person get to the point of unconditional surrender to the will of God? When that person is without strength and completely incapable of continuing hostilities. We call that brokenness.

It's true in war.
It's true in strife.
It's true for teens. (adults, too)
It's true for life.

It's time to raise the white flag.

Mark Maxwell, B.A.
Youth Pastor