Life is full of decisions for teenagers. Some are monumental, like choosing a college or deciding whether to take a job during their senior year. Others are smaller but equally formative, like the language they use, the videos they watch, or how they treat others.
So how can we, as parents and mentors, guide our teens to make decisions that honor God?
Culture or Christ?
While culture and upbringing can shape how we make choices, they aren’t reliable enough to be our ultimate guide. Jesus says in John 7:17, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” This means our decisions must align with God’s will, not just our instincts or feelings.
This is especially vital for teenagers, whose emotional development often outpaces their ability to process decisions logically. The best thing we can do is model a daily commitment to follow Christ and let His Word guide our choices.
Start with Ourselves
Parents, your children are watching. If you’ve already decided to prioritize your desires over God’s Word in certain areas, it’s time to reevaluate. Your willingness to align every aspect of your life with the Lord’s will sets an example for your teens to follow.
Some decisions are crystal clear, as God’s Word gives us direct commands. The Ten Commandments, for instance, leave no room for debate on lying or stealing. Paul affirms this in 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
For areas where God’s Word is silent or unclear, we need guiding principles to navigate decisions wisely.
Four Principles for Godly Decision-Making
- Will it glorify God?
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Ask yourself: Will this decision help others see God’s greatness? Glorifying God happens in the small, mundane moments—how we interact at the breakfast table or how teens treat classmates at school. - Will it strengthen my faith?
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “I have the right to do anything—but not everything is beneficial.” Encourage your teen to ask: Will this choice help me grow spiritually? If not, it might be time to let it go. - Will it enslave me?
Some choices can lead to habits that take control of our lives. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything.” Decisions that lead to addiction or obsession are never in line with God’s will. - Is it godly or worldly?
After making a choice, does it shape you more like Christ or like the world? 1 John 2:15-17 cautions us not to love the world’s fleeting desires. Even good things can become idols if they take precedence over your spiritual life. Teens need to evaluate their pursuits—are they leading toward Christlikeness or worldliness?
Conclusion
Helping your teen navigate decisions begins with modeling a life rooted in God’s Word. Teach them these principles and guide them to consider whether their choices glorify God, strengthen their faith, avoid enslavement, and reflect Christ.
Sometimes, doing what’s right won’t feel easy or appealing. But even Christ, our perfect Savior, chose obedience over comfort: “For even Christ did not please himself” (Romans 15:3).
With these truths, you can equip your teen to honor God in every decision—big or small.
Looking to strengthen your understanding of Christian apologetics? In our latest post, we dive into William Lane Craig’s Reasonable Faith, exploring how this influential book offers compelling arguments for the existence of God, the resurrection of Jesus, and the reliability of Scripture. Whether you’re a seasoned apologist or just starting to explore the field, this post provides valuable insights for defending the Christian faith with logic and evidence. Check it out to deepen your knowledge and enhance your ability to engage with skeptics.