Wanting Life - Set Aside as Holy

For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:19-21 

Sanctified, set apart, pure and holy. Jesus sanctified Himself. We can choose to do the same—to make decisions that result in purity and holiness. This wasn’t just for the disciples, but for everyone who believes in Jesus—even today. I’m concerned about people today—especially teens who can’t deal with life issues, seeing life as just not worth living. Angry. Depressed. There is no desire for holiness.  

It may be passive-aggressive behavior that drives teens over the edge. According to Dr. Ross Campbell in his book How to Really Love Your Teenager, passive-aggressive behavior doesn’t make logical sense. It is irrational. Those teens are motivated to upset their parents or authority figures in their lives and this may include committing suicide as an expression of their suppressed unresolved anger. If you have a child or teen with anger issues, deal with that as soon as possible before it becomes a lifetime habit. Dr. Campbell has an Anger Ladder that helps to guide parents with teaching or dealing with their children and teenagers’ expressions of anger.  

Dr. Campbell discusses adolescent depression stressing that depression needs to be identified before it causes a tragedy. It is not a normal teen behavioral phase. He suggests that depressed teens may be seeking attention, not really wanting to die when they attempt suicide. The stages of depression generally have no outward signs.

·         MILD  - somber fantasies, daydreams, dreams during sleep

·         MODERATE  - acts & talks normally – content speech dwells morbid/depressing subjects

·         PROFOUNDLY DEPRESSED – looks depressed / maybe smiling depressed if someone is watching

Showing love by spending time with the teen, or by identifying the way that they feel loved, is the best remedy for mild depression. Eye contact, physical contact, and focused attention are meaningful ways to communicate love to teens. As a teen goes deeper into depression their thought process begins to be disturbed, and they begin to lose the ability to think clearly, logically and rationally. Medical help is mandatory at this point.  

Jesus taught that anger is normal—we just need to deal with it. It is acceptable to “deal” with anger in a verbal way—no physical abuse. We are to not let the sun go down on our anger… be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger….Ephesians 4:26. With anger out of our lives…or dealt with…we are closer to being holy. 

RSVP: Jesus has sanctified Himself and wants for us to be sanctified, too. How will you respond to His message today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are holy. Please guide and direct me, my family and friends that we would make good choices that would be pleasing to You. Especially help the teens in my neighborhood and community to seek You and not be consumed by anger or oppressed by depression. Help them to choose life—an abundant life that You offer.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.