“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.'” -John 8:34
Self-control: the ability to govern one’s emotions, actions, and desires, especially in difficult situations. Think for a moment about why that’s an important skill. Why not eat an entire triple-decker chocolate ganache cake all by yourself, or stay up all night watching Gilmore Girls reruns? Those who develop self-control recognize instant… Read More »How to Develop Self-Control as a Teen: Grow This Tree
The Cost of Following Christ, Part 1 You’re a Christian who wants to follow God’s commands. Really, you do. You study the Bible, you go to church, you pray. You try not to swear, lie, cheat, or commit adultery . . . Then you look at your unbelieving friends (or… Read More »Feeling Left Out? Remember This When Sin Looks Attractive
You’ve probably been told it’s not okay to be judgmental, but the truth is, I’m a very judgmental person. I judge my clothing in the morning to see which tops and shoes will be the most appropriate for the weather. I judge my breakfast choices to pick the ones that… Read More »Is It Ever Okay To Be Judgmental?
I didn’t want to cover this topic. In some circles, any disagreement with a person’s chosen identity or lifestyle is considered hate and the battle lines are instantly drawn. But as a Christian who believes that her identity is in Christ, I want to do the loving thing and address… Read More »How to Help a Friend Struggling With Gender Identity
In part one of this post (The Battle Against Lust and How to Kill It), I laid out a strategic battle plan for fighting lust using the first four letters of ANTHEM: (A)voiding triggers, saying (N)o to lustful thoughts, (T)urning your mind toward Christ, and (H)olding tight to him. These… Read More »Desiring God As the Ultimate Source of Pleasure
Lust is not strictly a male problem. I don’t believe it ever was, but more and more women have come forward with their struggles in the battle against lust and the topic is finally being addressed (albeit quietly) within Christian circles. It’s about time. Lust is a powerful, intoxicating, murderous,… Read More »The Battle Against Lust and How to Kill it
November 10, 2021. Does that date ring a bell for you? Unless you’re a major YouTube influencer, probably not, because that’s the day YouTube removed its dislike button—the little thumbs-down icon—from all videos. (It has since been reinstated but the number of dislikes is no longer visible to viewers.) In… Read More »How Christian Teens Can Overcome a Critical Attitude
Have you ever met someone with chronically bad breath? Maybe it’s a hygiene issue or an underlying medical condition, but no matter. You know who she is and you’re careful to stay out of her way. And if she crosses into your personal space? You know it immediately. How would… Read More »Tame Your Tongue And Kiss Disrespect Goodbye!