Not everything popular is right. Not everything you feel is true. Not everything that feels good is worth doing.
We are living in a world that normalizes sin. If you dare call it sin, you risk being labeled judgmental or canceled. We are surrounded by a culture that glorifies self-centeredness, telling us that putting ourselves first is the key to emotional and mental well-being. We are bombarded with messages that promise happiness if only we “follow our hearts” and chase liberation at all costs.
We are living in a sex-saturated society where lust is just a swipe away, and validation often comes from exposing more skin. Popular dance trends encourage women to twerk and flaunt their bodies to gain attention, while social media normalizes behaviors that once would have raised eyebrows—like changing clothes on camera under the guise of “a day in my life.” Men are casually labeled as cheaters, and society shrugs it off as normal because celebrities do it too. The line between right and wrong has blurred, with morality now dictated by what’s trending on television or social media rather than timeless truth.
A world where soft, feel-good teachings drown out the truth, where correction is seen as condemnation, and where we avoid addressing our idols—vanity, pride, and self-centeredness—because it’s too uncomfortable. We’ve traded boldness for silence, courage for complacency. We isolate ourselves in pursuit of self-fulfillment, hoping that somehow this will heal our hearts.
We crave soft news instead of the Good News. We want validation more than restoration. We value temporary satisfaction over eternal life. Too often, we wear the title of “Christian” like a badge of religion rather than living as true disciples of Christ. We become lukewarm—lazy warriors of Jesus who are more focused on chasing earthly dreams, the perfect career, or the right person to marry, instead of pursuing Him wholeheartedly.
Who’s with me? ( I also feel attacked but the truth hurts and yet it liberates and refines us.)
We’re all fighting against the temptations of this world. But when we rely on ourselves or seek comfort in watered-down teachings, we grow soft-hearted and half-hearted. We lose the boldness to stand firm. We neglect to bend our knees in prayer and miss the power of the Holy Spirit that equips us to speak the truth, love deeply, and be transformed by His Word.
How many of us are still eager to read the Bible, dwell in His presence, or join a prayer meeting? How many of us burn with passion to become prayer warriors?
Instead, we’ve allowed idols to creep in—social media, trending news, gossip, entertainment, philosophies, ideologies, and the constant need for validation. We’re quick to believe the enemy’s lies, and worse, we begin to compromise.
“It’s just a small sin,” we tell ourselves. “No one will notice.” Or, “Other Christians are doing it, and nothing bad has happened to them.” And so, we justify and normalize sin until it no longer feels wrong.
We crave compliments over constructive criticism, prioritize individuality over accountability, choose isolation over fellowship, lust over love, fleeting happiness over lasting holiness, and feel-good quotes over the life-giving truths of Biblical teachings. And so, we drift with the current, going with the flow instead of standing firm and going against it.
But hear me out: we need an army of believers—young warriors who are unashamed to live boldly according to God’s Word, unashamed of the gospel. We need an army that despises lukewarm faith, standing firm on God’s truth above all else. Warriors who refuse to compromise under pressure, who will not cower when others fall away. Warriors who fight on their knees in prayer, who worship God with undivided and wholehearted devotion.
Lord, change us! Raise us up, Lord! Forgive us and make us Your warriors.
So, how shall we live?
First, we must guard our hearts according to His Word. Psalm 119:9 reminds us, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” And in Psalm 32:8, God assures us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” We must seek God above all else, allowing His Word and presence to guide our steps with unwavering devotion.
Second, we need to flee from youthful lusts. 2 Timothy 2:22 urges us, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” We are called to run from sin and instead chase after a life that reflects God’s righteousness and peace, surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us in faith.
Finally, we must be an example to others. 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages us, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Our lives should inspire and challenge others, demonstrating what it means to live as true followers of Christ.
And my life verses to remind you of God’s faithfulness and power. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse encourages us to prioritize God above all else, trusting that He will provide for us. Ephesians 3:20 further assures us: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” God’s power within us is beyond our understanding, enabling us to accomplish more than we could ever dream on our own. These verses remind us to seek Him first and trust in His limitless ability to work through us.
With love and conviction,
Ate Meryl
