The teenage years are very important. Since adulthood is right around the corner, you need something solid upon which to base your choices. That is why you need to be able to make the distinction between "Truth" and "Reality".

Reality is what is happening all around you. I have heard many youth who say they listen to Tupac and other rappers because they talk about what is happening in their world. They feel that they are understood and accepted. They see these rappers as an extension of their voice, or a way of expressing what they feel. Even though it promotes violence, sex, drugs, and many other unhealthy and perverse lifestyles, it’s O.K. because "It’s Reality".

Just because it’s reality does not mean it’s O.K. You see, reality is always changing. By the time you get your orientation straight, it’s time to change to something else. From one generation to another, reality has a different face. There is no way to be sure of anything, when things are changing all the time.

Truth never changes, it is the same all the time. So, as you go into adulthood, you need to learn to make choices based on truth instead of reality. Reality says that since youth are engaging in premarital sex at record numbers, the best thing to do is to practice safe sex. Reality also shows that sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are at the highest since the discovery of penicillin. In other words, safe sex if not safe.

Truth says that the only time sex is safe is after you are married, no exceptions. This is God’s design, and it cannot be improved upon.

Reality keeps you confused, because so much is going on. Many youth develop identity problems by listening to modern day entertainment. Truth is free of deception, it is solid and real. So if you make choices based on truth, you will live your life on a higher and more secure level.

The Bible is your source of truth. It can set you free (John 8:22), sanctify you (John 17: 17-19), and purify you (1 Peter 1:22). Reality cannot. Truth is a reliable and tested set of principles that will guide you all of your life. Reality is affected by time, and changed by the plans of men.

So don’t be fooled by entertainment that talks about reality, but leaves out truth. Make sure your choices are based on something solid and unchanging.

By: Edmund Brown