Does Society Have Low Expectations for our Teenagers?

Does society today hold low expectations for our teenagers? This is a question Alex and Brett Harris answers and challenges in their book “Do Hard Things.” I’ve read the book myself and was thoroughly impressed. Since reading the book I’ve recommended it to teenagers I know as well as to parents. The following is an excerpt take from their book:

“What you’re holding in your hands right now is a challenging, hardcover book for teens by two teens who believe our generation is ready for a change. Ready for something that doesn’t promise a whole new life if you’ll just buy the right pair of jeans or use the right kind of deodorant. We believe our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming. And we’ve noticed that once wrong ideas are debunked and cleared away, our generation is quick to choose a better way, even if it’s also more difficult.

This book invites you to explore some radical questions:

• Is it possible that even though teens today have more freedom than any other generation in history, we’re actually missing out on some of the best years of our lives?
  
• Is it possible that what our culture says about the purpose and potential of the teen years is a lie, and that we are its victims?
  
• Is it possible that our teen years give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for huge accomplishments–as individuals and as a generation?
  
• And finally, what would our lives look like if we set out on a different path entirely–a path that required more effort but promised a lot more reward?
  

We describe that alternative path with three simple words: “do hard things.”

If you’re a teenager that has been dealing with low expectations and/or you think you can’t do hard things, I recommend you read this book. It will change your outlook. Youth workers, senior pastor, and parents…order your copy today if you haven’t already because teenagers need the support of adults to do hard things for Jesus.

Need some Biblical examples of teenagers that did hard things for Jesus? Joseph, Daniel, David and Timothy just to name a few.

Here are some teens I personally know that are living above the low expectations that are sometimes placed on them today.

• Michael Rothermel – a sixteen year old photographer and musician.
• Meagan – is taking 3D archery competition and hunting to a whole new level.
• Ryan Lewis – now in is twenties took the up the challenge in his teen years by writing and producing an album for Elyon’s Fire. He’s currently performing, writing and producing a solo album.
• Zach – an avid soccer player who’s using his sport to share his faith with his teammates.

How about you, do you know any teens that are doing hard things for Jesus and living above low expectations? Or, are you a teenagers and would like to share what you’re doing? Let’s talk about it.