Day 12 — The Glory of Young Men

“The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.”

— Proverbs 20:29 (BSB)

Proverbs says, “The glory of young men is their strength.” God designed young men to grow strong: more muscle, more energy, more power. That’s a gift!

One reason your body gets stronger during puberty is hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers in your body. They’re part of how God designed puberty to happen. The main one for guys is called testosterone. It tells your body to grow muscles, deepen your voice, grow hair and do all the other changes you’ve read about this week.

But hormones can also affect your feelings. During puberty, many guys notice that:

• They get angry or frustrated faster.
• They feel restless, with energy that needs to go somewhere.
• Their moods go up and down.
• They feel more sensitive about what others think, especially other guys.
• They want to prove themselves or take risks.

If that sounds like you, you’re not a bad person, and you’re not going crazy. Your body is growing, and your feelings are along for the ride.

Here’s the key: strength is a gift to be used well. Remember Book 1? Real strength is strength under control. A strong young man doesn’t use his strength to push people around, hurt others or show off. He uses it to protect, help, work hard and serve.

Here’s how to handle your growing energy and changing moods:

• Burn off energy the right way: sports, running, biking, building, working.
• Get enough sleep. Tired guys have shorter fuses.
• Remember Week 1: stop, step away, cool down and pray when you’re angry.
• Be gentle with the people around you, especially your family, even when you’re in a bad mood.
• Talk to your dad or a trusted man. He’s been there.

One more very important thing. Your body is yours, and it belongs to God. No one, not a stranger and not someone you know, should ever touch your private parts, ask you to touch theirs, show you pictures of private parts, or ask you for pictures of your body. If anyone ever does, or tells you to keep a secret about it, tell a trusted adult right away. It’s never your fault, and telling is always right. Strong men tell.

This week, you’ve learned that your body is built by God, and about growth spurts, your voice and body hair, your private parts, taking care of your body, and your hormones and strength. You’re growing into a man, and God is with you every step.

A true story: You met Eric Liddell in Book 1: the fastest runner in Scotland, who wouldn’t race on Sunday and still won Olympic gold. But here’s the rest of his story. Eric believed God had made him fast, and he loved to use his strong body for God. Later, he went to China as a missionary, and during a great war he was locked in a crowded prison camp. There, he used his strength to serve. He organized games and sports for the bored children in the camp, taught them lessons, helped carry the sick, and gave away his own small share of food. The Olympic champion used his strength not to win medals, but to help everyone around him. You can read his whole story in Brave for God.

Think about it: How could you use your growing strength to help and serve others, instead of to show off?

Try this: Have a conversation with your dad or a man you trust about this whole week. Ask him anything you’re still wondering about.

Dear God, thank You for making young men strong. Help me use my strength to serve, protect and help, not to hurt or show off. When my feelings go up and down, help me stay steady with You. Keep me safe, and help me always tell a trusted grown-up if anything doesn’t feel right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.