A Teen's Daily Struggles: Media Addiction
Teenagers are at the age of experiencing many physical changes, emotional turmoil, identity formation, and so much more. There are also many struggles teenagers face regardless of race or gender, and modern times bring modern struggles.
Today, many teens struggle with media addiction, especially with easy access to the internet, peer influence, and instant gratification. They want quick access to entertainment to satisfy their desire for only short periods, making media addiction a cycle they can never seem to escape from.
However, the Bible clearly warns us not to get caught up in worldly practices and be transformed by the world, but to guard our hearts and live according to God’s will.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." Romans 12:2
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23
We should meditate on these verses and reflect on our own lives. Have we been slowly influenced and changed by the world? Have we been relaxed and letting entertainment and secular culture seep into our hearts?
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2
In these verses, the Bible provides clear instructions on how to live according to the Word of God. Everything we do should be for the glory of God. If we aren’t sure what our motives are ask yourself this question: “Is what I’m doing right now only benefiting myself or is it for the Kingdom of God?”
Sometimes it seems like Jesus isn’t enough and we need other things to satisfy us. But anything other than Jesus Christ satisfies our flesh only and leaves our spirit more dry. What our spirits long for is God only.
"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'" John 6:35
