Black Church News in Virginia
Marriner’s Moment: Emerging Independence – Pt. 3
With graduation behind them, many of our young people are preparing to emerge into independence. Without a doubt, they will encounter some obstacles along the way, but let’s support them and bathe them in prayer as they prepare to ‘launch’ into the real world.
To all the young people who are emerging into independence, here are a few timeless tips to keep in mind as you turn the page on your next chapter.
Be careful of the things to which you allow yourself to be exposed. Those things that we see, hear and that our minds process, sometimes stick with us far longer than we can imagine. Romans 12:2 reminds us “not to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …” Renewing of the mind occurs when we rid it of some of the worldly things we encounter.
Don’t expect others to validate you. Christ loves you dearly. Remember Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Don’t waste time worrying about things that are out of your control. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6: “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything …”
Don’t expect man (or woman) to do what only God can. There’s a reason He tells us in Isaiah 54:5 “For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.”
”Peace and power.
© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Grove Church
July 2017
