Why you don't need to hook-up to enjoy life.

You know those moments that are hard to forget? I had one of those moments the other day. I was walking around my local shopping center when I happen to walk past a group of young girls who looked between 10-12 years old. These young girls were dressed in clothes that barely covered anything. As I walked past I heard one of them ask, "Did you hook up with him?" The friend quickly responded with, "YES!" As soon as she responded the big group of girls starting high-fiving, celebrating her 'big accomplishment'.

If I'm honest with you I walked a way shocked. My heart broke for these young girls who were so worried about their next hook up. It reminded me of why I do what I do. 

I am committed to seeing young people rise up to make a difference in their generation. Young people who are secure in themselves and are not looking for validation from some boy or girl. There is no denying the fact that young people are getting older younger. There is immense pressure on young people in our culture. Here are 3 simple thoughts to a young person in today's culture. 

Your relationship status does not define you.

The world has never been more connected yet I see so many people who are disconnected. 

I see so many young people who are in a "relationship" according to their Facebook status but in a week or two it turns into "it's complicated" and then "it's over". There is this pressure to be in a relationship as it gives you social cred.

Your relationship status does not define you. I would encourage you to enjoy being single and enjoy your friendships. Honestly, relationships are tricky and I often see more hurt than good come from young relationships. 

If you are a Christian I would encourage you to find your identity in Christ. Find you value in Him. Find your identity in Him. The love you have been looking for is in Him. Remember that He was prepared to die on the cross so that we could have eternal life with Him. In a world that is full of insecurity we can find security in Him.

I know it is not easy to be counter cultural and stand up to the pressures of our culture, but I can assure you it will be worth it.

Find a Partner who cares more about you than your body. 

Just because you feel pressure to be with some one or hook up with the coolest guy in school doesn't mean you have too. I would encourage any young person to find someone who cares more about them than their body.

The reason I think this is important is because it means you can enjoy a friendship before a romantic relationship. My wife Tayla is honestly my best friend. I enjoy her company so much, we laugh together, we enjoy similar things and I love doing life with her. I am extremely attracted to her but I love her as a person above everything else. 

There is an old saying "find a mate who would make a good date". Simple meaning: pursue friendship before taking it to another level. I am so thankful that Tayla was a good mate before I took her on a date. 

Pursue Jesus and grow in your relationship with him

My last encouragement to any young person would be to pursue Jesus and grow in your relationship with Him. Maybe you are reading this blog and are not in a relationship with Jesus,  can I encourage you to open up your heart? I believe you don't have to get yourself together before He will accept you. You can come in all your mess, with all your baggage and hurt and He will give you a love like no other.

It excites me as a youth pastor to see so many students who known their value living counter cultural lives in our youth ministry. I see young girls who are so passionate about Jesus, who are secure in who they are and have a dream for the future. I see young men who are leaders in their generation and are making a difference today.

There has never been a better time to dive into a relationship with Jesus. Delight in Him, learn about Him and set yourself up for life. Don't waste time chasing your next relationship status, pursue Him and watch the rest take care of itself. 

I'd love to hear from you. Why don't you send me a message, follow me on social media or subscribe. Have a great day.