IT'S OKAY...THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU.

If you know this song, sing along with me:

"It's a jungle out there Disorder and confusion everywhere No one seems to care
Well I do Hey, who's in charge here?
It's a jungle out there Poison in the very air we breathe Do you know what's in the water that you drink?
Well I do, and it's amazing People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the time
If you paid attention, you'd be worried too You better pay attention
Or this world we love so much might just kill you I could be wrong now, but I don't think so! 'Cause it's a jungle out there "


(It's a jungle out there by Randy Newman) Sound track for the Hit Tv show, 'The Monk'


Yeah, I knew, you would sing it. But if you listen to it closely, you will realize, it’s not just a song, IT'S THE PLAIN TRUTH!!!

The world is a jungle. Being a young Christian in the 21st Century, is more of a nightmare, than a beautiful dream. Interestingly the bible tells us, '"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16: 33.

The world has a way of making you feel like you are missing something. It looks so glamorous that while in Christianity, both young and old, tend to feel at times that they are out of place. The Bible has standards that are set in place for us to follow, and I believe, as you were giving your life to God for the first time, someone told you so or one way or another you did find out. However, as a young person, I interact with people who feel that the Bible standards feel restrictive. They feel that there's not much fun in following them, and find a way to inculcate some worldly behaviors into Christianity by 'redefining them'. You have heard certain statements such as, 'It's not that big of a deal", or "It's not that bad" or "It's not such a big sin"....Since when did we have big or small sins? Sin is sin, the only difference is what someone does after it, repent, or continue with their sin.

It's time for reality check, and I'll try and do this in the most encouraging way I can.

It is said that Experience is the best teacher. But I beg to differ, since with time, I have come to learn that in this life, it is fools who learn by experience. If you are wise, you will learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the path that they followed that led to misery and defeat.

It is easy to look at those around you who seem prosperous in every aspect of their lives and feel terrible at the fact that you know God yet He seems not to come through. Typical example, most of your friends around are in relationships "so called that is" having sex left, right and centre, and seemingly getting away with it. They have good grades, they own the latest in fashion, they never seem to run out of money and get what they want how they want and when they want it. It happens doesn't it?

I happened to come across a chapter in the bible, Psalm 73, that talks of a man named Asaph, who like many of us, was sick and tired at the fact that those around Him who did not know God like him, where busy climbing up the ladder of success while he who was serving God, seemed to gain little in return.

Read this little part of the chapter: Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. (Psalm 73:13-14)

Asaph clearly is wondering like most of us, "Is it worth it, keeping and maintaining Biblical Standards?"

Though deeper into the text we see his eyes opening, and he realizes that the enjoyment of the wicked is only but temporary. The same passage says that,

“Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you." (vs. 27)

Asaph also reminds himself of God's presence, during this time, and confidently concludes:

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. Who have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Vs.23-26)

Perhaps maybe, you are in a position where you are finding it hard to live by God's standards. You are busy asking yourself the value of it all. Maybe you have messed up you know, premarital sex, habitual pornography, lustful thoughts etc. It happens; when you're inexperienced, you think your peers’ lifestyle is exciting. So in your curiosity, their attitudes rub off on you and you end up in regretful positions.

Take some time out and think, all those you envy, all those who do not follow the laws of God, are they really at peace? They may look like it, but LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE

Is there some sought of secret that they have that you as a child of God have missed?

Then after honestly thinking about it, I am sure at the end you will conclude like our role model Asaph;

"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (vs. 28)



Word of advice:

- Choose your friends wisely. Be around people that share the same beliefs that you do.

-It's not always about what you want. Your actions affect not just you but the people around you. And if you ignore what the Bible states about your life and how you ought to live it, chances are you will damage yourself.

- Keep in mind that one of the most priceless possessions God has ever given you is dignity and your innocence. Throwing these two valuable things away because you can't control yourself is to sell yourself cheap.

-Talk to mature people older than you who can help you in this journey of Christianity, because truth is you need somebody to pull you up when you are down.(Eccl. 4:9-10)

-Always get up when you make a mistake. Don't stay down. Speak up and correct the situation. (James 5:16)

So always remember, as a child of God, there is nothing wrong with upholding biblical standards. They don't restrict your happiness or joy, they protect you.



It's okay, there’s Absolutely Nothing Wrong with You.