What if, instead of trying to build our teenagers self-esteem, we shifted our efforts to building their God-esteem?
What if, instead of focusing so much on how our youth view themselves, we invested in helping them to grow their view of God?
What do you think it would change?
I think this shift in focus—from self-esteem to God-esteem—has the potential to change every part of their lives. In fact, I’m convinced of it.
So much of our culture today is focused on self. Self-esteem. Self-love. Self-Improvement. Self-condemnation. Self-indulgence. The list could go on and on.
… and we wonder why everyone around us is so self-absorbed. This isn’t just true of our teenagers. It’s true of us as well.
“There’s simply no escaping the fact that we’re always conformed to what we focus on.” So, when all our thoughts, feelings, plans, and choices are focused inward, we make ourselves the center of all things.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve already lived that life—the one that thinks the whole world revolves around me—and I came up more empty and more insecure than ever. Fixating on ourselves never accomplishes what we hope it will, so we need to let go of self and focus on someone else.
No season has changed me more than the one I spent studying and writing the He Is Bible study, a Bible study focused on who God is and how He works in our lives.
When I shifted my view off self and onto God—when God became the one that I focused on first and foremost—everything else in my life began to take its proper shape. Fear and worry diminished. Other’s needs came before my own. I could handle distractions and frustrations in stride. I became less consumed with other people’s opinions of me. And without even trying, my confidence grew.
Jesus said it plainly. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too.” Matthew 6:33
Turns out Jesus was right. Shocker.
New Teen Bible Study
I wrote the student version of He Is as a resource to help our kids know God more so they can love and trust God more, and I can’t wait to share it with you and your teens.
In this book, your teens will:
- Learn 30 faith-building truths about who God is and how He works in their life;
- Grow confidence in their relationship with Jesus and their desire to know Him more;
- Connect the truth of God’s Word to their daily life;
- Practice living out their faith in simple, practical ways.
Here’s a peek at what one of the 30 lessons looks like:
Summer Study
Now, let’s get back to my original questions …. What if, instead of trying to build our teenagers self-esteem, we shifted our efforts to building their God-esteem? What if, instead of focusing so much on how our youth view themselves, we invested in helping them to grow their view of God?
My answer: I think it will change their whole lives.
This summer I’m going to be leading a Bible study group for local high schoolers through He Is: A Student’s Guide to Knowing God and I would love for your teen to join in. If you’re not local, gather your kids and their friends and work through the study together. (I promise it isn’t as scary as you think!)
I started an Instagram account to keep everyone engaged and in the loop throughout the summer, so feel free to follow along and invite your kids to follow too!! (Follow @heissummer19)
I’m so very excited about what God wants to do in the hearts, minds, and lives of our kiddos this summer. Whether you’re near or far, I hope you’ll make plans to join us!!
This book was written specifically with our teens in mind, but you can certainly read along with the student version too. However, if you’d like to dig in a little deeper, you can get a copy of the original He Is for yourself.
Please let me know if you have any questions!!
*Lydia Brownback, How the Love of Christ Frees Us From Self-Focus
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