What image comes to mind when you think of teens?
Puberty? Mood swings?
But guess what? Just over 100 years ago, puberty was a pretty nebulous concept, and it wasn’t until the
1920s and 30s that the word ‘teenager’ was first used in the U.S. Before that, there were only two
generational distinctions in traditional societies: children and adults, and by the time children turned 15
to 18, they were already treated as adults and got married.
In that sense, adolescence and puberty can be understood as a social phenomenon and a social concept
that arises from the delayed social acceptance of adulthood.
In the Bible, there are several stories of great people who were used by God during their adolescence.
David was probably around 14 or 15 years old when he defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Esther was a
young, beautiful queen who became queen as a teenager, and then when Haman tried to wipe out the
Jews, Esther was about 20 years old when she risked her life to go before the king and save the nation
(Esther 4). Daniel, on the other hand, was probably around 18 when he and his three friends decided not
to eat food sacrificed to idols (Daniel 10).
There is one common trait that all of these people have in common: they were simple, almost ignorant,
and brave enough to put their lives on the line for what they believed was right. Adolescence is a time
when the simplicity and innocence of a child coexists with the emotional and physical capabilities of an
adult, which is why teens like to argue and are often unwilling to move a finger unless they are
understood, but they also want to be part something important and have a very strong sense of justice
about what is happening around them.
Take a look at David when he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17). From a modern adult perspective, he shows a
somewhat excessive sense of justice, arguing with his elder brothers about risking their lives for the
justice of God. Would it make more sense if I told you that David was in the midst of puberty at the time?
He had that burning sense of righteousness that is often found in teenagers of that age, and when given
the opportunity, he throws the sling that he used to chase beasts and takes down the invincible giant. His
brothers look down on him, but God gives him the opportunity to use his burning sense of justice in a
great way.
I would like to share with you the life story of Dr. Wess Stafford, the former president of Compassion
International (Christian humanitarian aid organization). As the son of missionaries from the U.S. to the
Ivory Coast. Wess grew up in one of the remote villages of Africa. His own family as the only white
people around, young Wess grew up speaking the local language, going to the local school, hanging out
with local friends, being cared for by local adults in the village, and being a thoroughly integrated
member of the local community. His only prayer at the time was, “Dear Lord, when I wake up tomorrow
morning, please let my skin be darker.”
Reflecting on his childhood, he notes that in the African agricultural society he belonged to, children and
teenagers were entrusted with tasks that were important to be performed by adults. Teenagers would
sow seeds with the adults, fetch water, and look after their younger siblings just like adults. Teenager
Wess and his African friends had to guard the cornfields at night to keep wild monkeys out from stealing
corn, throwing stones to chase them away. This task was very important to keep the community alive
and fed.
In Wess’ experience, teenagers in such societies do not undergo puberty like we do. Instead, children
and teenagers naturally grow up learning and performing adult tasks. They are entrusted with significant
responsibilities within the local community, which helps them develop a strong sense of belonging and
leaves no room for delinquency. As a teenager in a remote African village, Wess recalls having high
self-esteem when reading the story of David defeating Goliath in the Bible, thinking to himself, “That’s
something I can do too!” Quite fascinating, isn’t it?
The modern world, however, does not offer such “important” tasks and opportunities to teenagers. At
home, in church, or schools, teenagers are often viewed as passive learners, subject to adult supervision
due to concerns about potential misbehavior. This reality of ours can be traced back to the Industrial
Revolution of the 19th century, which created a distinct separation between adult and child through
work and formal education. This reality of ours persists even today.
What can we do about it?
One simple, and yet highly effective solution is to provide teenagers with opportunities to undertake
significant responsibilities within our community. We need to avoid the stereotype that our children are
too young for any significant responsibilities. Rather, we must acknowledge that, given the appropriate
opportunity, they possess the capability to surrender their lives to the Lord and their community.
Here are some real-life examples: Instead of parents feeding our children, we can give our teenagers
opportunities and train them to feed their younger siblings. Instead of just having them study the Bible,
how about giving them opportunities to teach the Bible to their friends and younger siblings. Instead of
just studying hard on their own, how about encouraging them to help their younger siblings with their
homework and reach out to their classmates who are struggling to learn. “We grow when we help others
grow,” is one of the mottos of the 4/14 movement, a movement that seeks to reach children ages 4 to 14
with the gospel and empower them to become disciple-makers themselves. It’s hard to grow when
you’re always in the position of a taker, but it’s easy to grow when you’re living the life of a giver.
It is essential to create opportunities for our teenagers to give, not just receive. In our household, we
intentionally train older siblings to care for younger siblings, which is necessary given the number of
children and household responsibilities that come with it. Older siblings are tasked with preparing and
administering formula when younger siblings are distressed, assisting parents with bathing routines
before bedtime, and reading bedtime stories. Through these responsibilities, they gain practical
experience in household management. Gradually, they’re getting ready to be moms and dads themselves
one day, and to manage their own homes.
We consistently try our best to provide encouragement and emphasize the significance of their
contributions, as well as how happy and fulfilled we are from their efforts. It is crucial to explain the
importance of their work at every available opportunity. Teenagers are naturally inclined to take part in
meaningful responsibilities; they simply require guidance in discerning what is truly important in life.
Adults(parents) have to see by now that the simplicity of children and the boldness of teenagers are
blessings that God has given to families and the Church community. The responsibility lies with adults to
channel the substantial energy God has given our children in Godly direction. They’re like arrows strung
tautly on a bow, and it’s up to us adults to know where to aim and let them fly. If we can just guide them
to what’s truly important, they will commit their lives to it, and their commitment and influence will
certainly empower our homes and churches.
Why not entrust our children with meaningful responsibilities and eagerly anticipate the Godly influence
they’ll bring, filling our homes and churches with renewed vitality and strength? With the loving
direction of adults, their youthful energy can become an unstoppable force of God.