Walking closely with God is not something reserved for only the older generations. It’s for people of all ages and backgrounds, whether you’re 7, 17, or 70. In the beginning, when God created humanity in His image, God established that He desires to have a relationship with us. That is what He wants most from you, even as a teenager! I do not claim to have been the “poster child” for being a teenager devotedly walking with the Lord. Still, I’ve been blessed to walk with Jesus intimately since I was a little girl. With that being said, if I had to list some tips for walking with God, these would be them: 

1. Read the Word of God and pray daily. DAILY. Relationships grow when there is time and effort spent. You will grow closer to Him when you spend time with the Lord. 

2. Keep good company. According to 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Who you spend your time with matters. Surround yourself with friends who spend quality time with Jesus daily. We are still called as believers to reach the lost, but not to become best friends with them or by any means “partner” with them. 

3. Watch what you consume. Be cautious of what your eyes and ears take in. Galatians 6:8 says, “For the one who sows to his flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

4. Remember that it’s not all about you. There is a lost and broken world all around us. Don’t be selfish, and keep the hope of Jesus Christ all to yourself. Be intentional about spreading the Gospel. Make time for outreach, evangelism, and missions. I don’t know about you, but I want to make Heaven as crowded as possible. 

The good news is, we will never be perfect, and that’s OKAY. There will be some days that you will struggle to stay afloat. But for every day and season, you walk through; there is abundant grace and mercy. He predicted that we would need so much compassion that He decided to give us a new supply of it every morning.