4 Things Never to Tell a Young Person

 “Never tell a young person that anything cannot be done.  God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing.”

– G.M. Trevelyan

(1876-1962) English Historian

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

- Saint Paul

1 Timothy 4:12 / NASV

I would honestly say that some of the best experiences I have had as a life coach has been coaching the young.  When I was a Pastor, I often had the young people from our youth group come and talk with me.  It started with one or two and then the word got out that I listened and did not control them, and soon more and more decided to trust me.  When it come to coaching young people, trust is everything.

                Teens and young adults have a hard time of things in this world we live in.  They are told to pursue their dreams and by the same people, told they need to be practical and realistic.  They are give answers in school, church and at home to questions they never ask.  The questions they do have are often considered unimportant, silly or needless.

                I have learned that there are really four things that we, as coaches, pastors or adults in general, should never tell young people. 

1)  They must abandoned their dreams

                I have talked with enough young people to know that some of their dreams can seem pretty far out there.  However, I also know that they can be the seeds to great things in their lives.  Right now, being a rock star may seem like a real dream for them, however this can lead to many other important destinations.  God has placed in each of us our purpose in life from birth.  When we are young we do not really understand what our dreams mean, but we know they do mean something.  Never discourage or degrade the dreams of the young.

2)  They cannot do the impossible

                As the English historian, G.M. Trevelyan said in our opening quote, "God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible..."  Everything we have and see was once considered impossible.  What would have happened if young men and women like the Wright brothers, Ford, Edison, Curie, Meir and thousands of others were convinced that their belief in the impossible was foolish?  You do not know what God will do in the life of another person.  I would rather encourage a foolish dream and be a part of something great than to bring a young person back to reality and be a part of nothing at all.

3)  They need to grow up

                When an adult tells a young person that they need to grow up, they are really saying they should be like them.  I can tell you with all certainty that is outside of the will of God for them.  If God intended them to be you they would be you.  They have their own path to discover and that discovery comes when we are young.  Don't be in such a hurry to rob youth of their youthfulness.  There is a reason after all why we grow the way we do.

4)  They are too young to understand

                The witty Irish writer, Oscar Wilde said, "I am not young enough to know everything."  I know that the young often seem to think that they do know everything, however, they do know more than you think they know.  When we tell a young person that they are too young to understand, they hear, "You are too stupid to get it."  Rather than telling a young person they don't understand, help them to understand.  Give them the guidance and encouragement to see life as it is and as it could be.  Paul did not tell a young Timothy to learn from all the adults around him, rather he told Timothy to be the example.

                Our youth will one day run this crazy world we live in.  It is up to those of us who can touch young lives and pour into them the encouragement and values that will make it a good change.  Believe in the young.  Believe in their dreams and help them to find "their" way in the purpose God has given "them" to do.

                You matter to the world.  You are here to make a difference and that difference is good.  Remember the qualities of a real success-minded person: Be your best.  Love God.  Have good manners. Discover the unknown.  Change the world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey