Expectations (Joe on Joe)

     I’m above average.
     Boast much?
     I’m below average, too, Joe!
     Really? Because we’re pretty awesome.
     Now who’s boasting?
     What’s the point of this?
     The point is that I’m naturally above average. But compared to myself, I’m kind of a slacker…
     Gasp! What?!?
     Yeah. I mean, come on, Joe. We put the pro in procrastinate.
     I’m going to reply to that insult! Tomorrow…
     Exactly. I’m not living up to my potential, and by relation, neither are you.
     What do you mean?
     God blessed me with a good memory for words. Like verses and quotes. But it took until this summer at camp before I realized this gift. And I only realized because saying those verses earned me points. After saying probably the seventh of fifteen verses did it finally feel fun and exciting.
     ‘Kay…
     You still don’t get it! My laziness delayed my spiritual and mental growth! And here’s the thing; before this summer, I was still above average in comparison to most people my age. My maturity level and my grades are much higher than my peers.
     So then we get a break. Psh, if we’re already-
     No! The problem is that we’re not even stretching ourselves! And do you know what the problem is? Low expectations. In the words of an education expert, “Our current ceiling for students is really much closer to where the floor ought to be.”
     I don’t-
     Just let me talk. Expectations have fallen. You know what’s funny? I was called an “overachiever” for asking for extra verses, never mind saying them! I know that I am, but even so, my effort is severely lacking. THAT is the problem, my dear Joe.
     I think I’m getting it…
     Good.
     So what are you proposing?
     I am convinced that teenagers should revolt! Doesn’t it make you mad?
     You know it! Let’s grab the pitchforks!
     No! Not that kind of revolt! I mean by changing ourselves, and then those around us. There ARE young people out there who are tired of getting by easily, you know. Most of teenagers out there aren’t giving their all. I mean, look at me! I didn’t put much effort into any of my classes last quarter except my final for geography. And even with that, I only studied for for a few days. And do you know how that all turned out? I ended up with a GPA of 3.88. Yeah. Imagine if I had put in some true effort?!? Like, you know, actually reading my philosophy textbook. And that literature class I got a 4.0 in? We both know that professor’s standards were too low. I hardly learned a thing!
     Okay. But in the past few weeks you’ve dragged me through that insane reading/writing/fitness/personal growth program you created. That’s gotta count for something, eh?
     Sure it does! God convicted me that I was wasting my time, even if it wasn’t wasted like many teenagers’ lives are. That’s why I started it. And guess what? It’s working. I’ve given up some horrible habits and replaced them with good ones. I’m striving to be more than a bit below my personal average. I’m hoping to be above my average!
     Okay… But back to the revolt thing. It sounded fun.
     …
     …Joe?
     I’m not so sure about that. First of all, these things will be hard. Going above and beyond isn’t easy, you know. And secondly, you have to make sure to be balanced. It’s not good to replace one idol with another you know. To God, it’s all the same, even if you replace video games for education. To attain balance, you have to make sure that God is your focus. And HE is your focus. I’ve seen people get swept up with being a Christian. They spend all of their time on being good and doing good, but none is ever spent with God.
     Okay. So I’ve got to make God my one and only?
     No! I mean, yes. But God means for us to be His servants. How are we to do that without living our lives? No. Here’s the verse you need. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” See? No matter what it is we’re doing, we should do it for God.
     Cool. So, I strengthen my faith and do… things…
     Yeah. This is where things get tough. See, when we do anything to get stronger as Christians, Satan makes sure to attack.
     Yikes! He’s scary!
He is. And he’s powerful. And you know what’s bad? A lot of times, we’re our own worst enemy. We’re a powerful weapon against ourselves! My temper, my quick addictions, my mind. Even if you’re not the weapon, rest assured that you will be tempted or attacked in one way or another. You may even be persecuted for your beliefs.
     So… Not so fun…
     No. But think about this; life is very temporary; heaven is forever. I’m going to have to live with my sins. I’m also going to have to live with my lack of action. However, earth is only a house to prepare us for our home, heaven. I’d rather go knowing that I did all I could and was all I could be. Let me condense it all to fit together:
     Teenagers are expected to adhere to a low standard. Even high expectations are low. The youth of the world is expected to use their teenage years as a time to have fun and party. So that’s what they tend to do. There are, however, young people who want more out of their years, but either don’t react to that feeling, or aren’t sure how to. The teenagers who operate on an above-average standard are praised, even if they’re lazy (like us). If we young’uns were to have a higher standard, no doubt we would rise to that low standard. The problem is the world, and let’s face it; it’s not going to magically change. So what do we do? Do we do anything?
     I’m thinking you’re gonna say-
     Yes!
     Knew it.
     But we can’t just get up and set out to change everyone else when we, ourselves, are still needing a new coat of paint. Once we renew ourselves, though, we can start doing bigger things. But I’ve got to warn you, I’ve changed a lot of my life since choosing to change. It won’t be the same. You won’t be the same. You’ll be better, and that’s certain, but like I said, we all need to prepare for battle. Being a Christian, especially one who has set out to do big things, or even small things, will mean facing challenges.
     Greeeeeat…
     I think this is important to remember this; everything we do to further ourselves counts. Most will be difficult and strenuous. But don’t be discouraged if those things are small, not big. It all helps in building a strong character that God would be proud of.
     Like keeping our room clean or brushing out the cat?
     Exactly like that! Now, are you ready for this?!?
     …Gulp…


     “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

The Wall

          Just as a marathoner will ‘run into a wall’ at mile twenty, so in life people will inevitably encounter challenging things to overcome. (Clarification: Every single marathon is 26.2 miles.) I have been challenged by myself to read a large amount of books. In fact, that is what I am now compelled to do. I wonder why I am still writing… The point is that in life, no matter who you are, you will come across so many obstacles! Most of my personal ones are just that, personal, and will be kept that way. However, I would like to discuss some, nonetheless.

          I’ve just begun a book about spiritual battles. There are three enemies for Christians.

1.      The World: Temptation is everywhere, and even though the world appears to be progressing, it is only managing to become more and more evil. I mean, sure, you hear about a new cause every day it seems, but the reality is that basically everything that fuels these (usually) good things is what feeds a much larger amount of sin. Look at it this way; the technology that helps police is what criminals will use to accomplish the crime. Does that make sense? Now, don’t look at me like I know you would if you could. I adore technology. I’m just saying that it and the rest of civilization’s progress lend a greater variety to how to sin.

2.     The Flesh: No matter who we are, we will always be human. Christians have the Holy Spirit to help them overcome our own human sins, but they can still choose not to listen to that guiding voice. It truly is a challenge when you have the urge to scream at someone, but you know that little pull you get to just keep your mouth shut? That’s the Holy Spirit reminding you to be like Christ.

3.     The Devil: This one scares me. I know that I am God’s forever, but to know that someone is always plotting to trip you up… I don’t look at people as role models in general. However, there are groups that I will avoid looking up to all together. If someone is a music artist who is highly publicized, I am almost always disgusted by how they act. I know it’s not always true, but in general… So for me, those famous music figures have a bad image, even if I’ve never heard of them, all because that career has been tarnished by others. While I am destined for heaven, what about those who are not? If I lose my grip on my faith even for a minute, I could ruin the Christian image and lose souls for God. I know I must keep vigilant to avoid such traps.

I feel as though I’ve been through more temptations ever, lately. I’m proud to say that I’ve avoided most. It’s just that as faith grows, so does temptation. I guess it means I’ve been growing stronger, but… “I know God won't give me anything I can't handle; I just wish he didn't trust me so much.” –Mother Teresa. My sentiments exactly.

          I’ve been developing strategies, studying, and other things to be whatever it is I’m meant to be. One of my classes next quarter even happens to be about Western religions. I’m very pleased with all this, but I wish I knew what I’m preparing for. Patience is not my virtue. I’m working on that.

          “We are locked in a battle. This is not a friendly, gentleman's discussion. It is a life and death conflict between the spiritual hosts of wickedness and those who claim the name of Christ.” -Francis A. Schaeffer

          And it’s not like I can lose hope in the battle, when the war has already been won. Chin up and grin, because losing the battle is a choice, not the sure outcome!

My Green Horizon

          I think that before an author does anything, they should state their intent. Of course, it shouldn’t be obvious in most occasions. This, however, is not one of those occasions. Without knowing my intent, why should you even read this? I know I wouldn’t.

          In this dreary thing known as life, I find hope. I call it my green horizon. I think it’s a different thing for everyone. While I know what mine is, it’s still so vague. I’ll never truly know what it is that drives me until I reach that green horizon.

          My green horizon is what I’ll find in death. Peace. Does that make sense?

          I need to say to all those “open-minded” people reading this, what does “open-minded” even mean? I don’t understand the idea. If you’re open-minded, you accept everything, yet condemn those who stand firm in their beliefs. Wouldn’t it be better to know what you believe and stick with it?

          This leads to why death is my green horizon. I’m a Christian. Apparently, this makes me “close-minded.” With that aside, the knowledge that I possess more than hope, a green horizon, is why I’m so… me. It’s hard to explain. There are a few verses that can say it a lot better than I can. Psalm 62:1-2 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress and I will never be shaken." Psalm 48:14 (My favorite verse at the moment) “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” I love knowing that God is always there, making sure I get through everything. His promise of a better future gets me through every day. It relieves a lot of my worries to know that someone else is watching over me, and that everything will end well.

          That is my green horizon.