Articles – Kids-Teens

Questions and Answers

by Jaclynn Weber

I asked some of our teenage girls to write down some questions and issues they face, and I told them I would do my best to answer them. I want to share some of their questions with you, hoping that it will help you to better understand why we believe what we believe:

Question: What is wrong with working a secular job?

Answer: The job in itself is not necessarily wrong, yet it is so important whom you work with. The Bible tells us not to “fellowship with unbelievers,” which means we are not supposed to make unsaved people our closest friends. Those with whom you work can easily become your closest friends, and they can help you or hurt you. My dad was very picky when it came time for me to find a job. I was 15 years old and wanted to work “out” somewhere. I thought it would be fun to be a waitress, and I could not understand why my dad did not agree. He said I could work at a library, a bakery (I would have been huge because I love donuts!), or…well, those were my choices!

Obviously, no one really hires 15 year olds, so I began teaching piano to beginner students at home. That was 10 years ago, and I am still teaching piano, and I love it. Not only do I have a job I love, but I am teaching people how to use their talents for God.

Some of my friends, however, did get their “big” job, and today they are wandering aimlessly through life because someone at work hurt them and in some cases even ruined their lives.

Question:: What is wrong with going to the movies?

Answer: This is a common question from teenagers, and I asked it myself when I was a teenager. Again, let me say that there may not be anything wrong with the movie itself; in fact, it maybe cleaner than the ones you bring home to watch (which is just as wrong by the way). It is, however, part of “fellowshipping with unbelievers,” and it is not an atmosphere in which I think most of you would want to meet Jesus. Would you be surprised to see your pastor’s wife at the movie you went to? If so, then why should it be okay for you to go? Are you less of a person than she is? If it is not okay for one person to go, it is not okay for anyone to go.

At the same time, bringing worldly movies full of swearing and immorality into your house is just as sinful and destructive to your life. I definitely think our teenage girls could use a revival in the things we watch at home. If you would not want me to watch it with you, then what are you doing watching it?

Question:: What is wrong with rock music? (Country, R&B, Rap, Pop, Oldies, etc…)

Answer: I began listening to some music I should not have been listening to when I was 16 years old. I would turn it on in the car, and sometimes my little brother was with me. I did not see anything really wrong with it at the time, but about a year later I quit listening to it, and my relationship with God immediately improved. My brother, however, struggled with listening to rock music for quite a while after I did. He eventually gave it up and began listening to good music, but I felt bad that I had had such an influence over my brother. I did not even realize the influence I had at that age, and I used it to hurt him instead of helping him to become a better person.

Any music that pulls your heart away from God is the wrong music. When you turn your radio or your CD player off, do you feel closer to God? Does the music you listen to make you think about how great God is? If so, your music is the right kind. If not, you need to get your music and your heart right with God.

Here is an example of the right kind of music:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus;

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.”

Now, read the lyrics to one of your favorite songs.

1.         Do the words mention anything about God besides taking His name in vain?

2.         Do the words make you feel better about yourself, your parents, your life, and your friends, or do they make you feel depressed, lonely, and insecure?

Remember, if it’s doubtful, don’t do it. If you are unsure, stay away from it.

I will answer more questions in later issues, and you can feel free to write me anytime with a personal question. In closing, though, let me list a few questions you should ask yourself concerning any issue you face as a teenager:

1)         Is it pleasing to God? Would you feel comfortable if He were doing it with you?

2)         Would your parents be disappointed with you if they found out?

3)         Does it make you feel closer to God?

4)         Is it helping you to become a better person?

If your answer is no to any of these questions, then it is wrong. God’s way is really quite simple—either it is right or it is wrong. The words “adequate,” “okay,” “on the border,” “gray areas” are not acceptable words to God.

I don’t want to live my life just getting by. I want to do something worthwhile and make a difference in people’s lives. If you want to do more than just exist, then make sure your life—every part of it—is pleasing to God.

Additional Resources - The Highest Calling by Jaclynn Weber