YOUTHS-RESIST THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD

Showing  "A Different Spirit"

Today, it takes courage and strength to show "a different spirit," or mental attitude - one different from the world's.  One way you can do so is by avoiding sarcastic , disrespectful speech.  Interestingly, the English word "sarcasm,"  is derived  from a Greek verb that literally means "to tear flesh like dogs."  (Compare Galatians 5:15)  Just "as a dog's teeth can tear flesh off a bone, sarcastic "humor" can strip others of their dignity.   But  Colossians  3:8 exhorts you to "put the mall away from you , wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech and obscene talk out of your mouth."  And  Proverbs 10:19 states:  "In the abundance  of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly."  If someone insults you, have the self-control  to 'turn the other cheek,' perhaps calmly and peacefully speaking to the abuser in private. -Matthew 5:39; Proverbs 15:1.

Another way to show " a different spirit" is to maintain a balanced view of material things.  Of course, it is only natural to want to have nice things.  Jesus Christ himself evidently owned at least one quality garment.  (John 19:23, 24)  However, when owning  things becomes as obsession and you are constantly begging your parents to buy you things they really cannot afford,  or when you just want to imitate other youths, then the world's spirit may have more authority over you than you realize.  The Bible says "Everything in the world - the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display  of one's means of life - does not originate with the world."   Yes, do not give in to the authority of the world's materialistic spirit!  Learn to be content with what you have. -1 John 2:16; 1 Timothy 6:8-10.

keeping recreation in its place is also important.  The prophet Isaiah declared:  "Woe to those who are getting up early in the morning that they  may seek just intoxicating liquor, who are lingering till late in the evening darkness so that wine itself inflames them!  And there must prove to be harp and stringed instrument, tambourine and flute, and wine at their feasts; but the activity of Jehovah they do not look at, and the work of their hands they have not seen."  (Isaiah 5:11, 12) Sad to say, some Christian youths have engaged in similar wild partying.  When a group of Christian youths were asked to describe what goes on at youth nightclubs, one young sister said:  "Fights happen all the time.  I've found myself in the middle o them."  Added a young brother:  "Drinking, smoking, things like that."  Another young brother admitted:  "People get drunk.  They act like idiots!  And there are drugs.  A lot of bad things happen.  if you go there and think you won't be affected, you're wrong."  For good reason, then,  the Bible lists revelries,  or "wild parties," as  one of the "works of the flesh." -Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 13:13.

Next time: Conclusion of Showing "A Different Spirit"

Watchtower, 1999