While life may seem like it is constantly throwing us curveballs, there is actually a striking amount of predictability to it. We all experience similar transitions in life, from childhood to adolescence, from adolescence to adulthood, and from adulthood to death. But as each step leads to the next, we are presented with challenges to our faith, our morals, and our expectations for contentment in that particular phase of life. In essence:
Each season of life has its lies
“Teenagers are supposed to rebel, have an attitude, and be ashamed of their ridiculous parents. Everybody experiments with drugs and sex.”
Of course, nothing could be further from the truth if what you want is a happy, fulfilling life. Does Ephesians 6:1-3 have an expiration date? Are your parents really as nerdy or embarrassing as you think? I find it interesting that rebellion is never seen as a virtue in the Bible but a moral deficiency (1 Timothy 1:9, Proverbs 17:11, Isaiah 30:1). Disobedience to parents is listed as a truly destructive practice in Romans 1:30, right alongside murder, insolence, arrogance, and evil. This lie is foisted on your young people so that evil activities can be more easily excused. “Boys will be boys” is one of the worst sentiments ever expressed. Few people rise above low expectations, and if we approach our teenage years with such a defeatist attitude, then we should not be surprised when teenage girls get pregnant and kids die in drunk driving accidents.
“You will fall madly in love and get married, but your marriage will eventually become just as loveless as everybody else’s.”
This does not have to happen, according to Proverbs 5:19 and Ecclesiastes 9:9, which both state that matrimonial contentment can last all the days of life together, even through the tough times. Marriages that fall apart do so because of betrayal, selfishness, and neglect by one or both partners. Having such a jaded, bitter view of marriage may in itself become a self-fulfilling prophecy!
“You might be able to stave off divorce for the sake of the kids, but once they grow up you will realize that you have nothing in common anymore.”
This probably stems from the misguided idea that your kids are the reason you are married in the first place. Remember that children are not a part of your marriage! They are a part of your family, but not your marriage. A husband and wife must cultivate their relationship independently of any other influences, so that whether you have one kid or one hundred, or in old age and youth, you are best friends regardless of the circumstances (Song of Solomon 5:16).
“When you get old you will no longer be wanted, needed, or useful.”
Untrue! Perhaps young people are not always good at expressing it, but I have never met a Christian who does not wish they had had more time with their grandparents, especially once they have passed away. Those who are younger are often busy and distracted, but the adoration and admiration are there (Proverbs 16:31). Even in our graying years, we are extremely useful to the cause of Christ. Often, it is not until we are approaching our senior years that we are qualified to be an elder. Older men and women have the Bible knowledge to make a big difference in young people’s lives. And for whatever a man may accomplish by physical ability in his youth, nothing matches the honor and wisdom that gray hair brings (Proverbs 20:29).
