stereotype with vertical dimensions

[This is a blog from "the Weekly," our youth group's handout.  We're starting a series based on 1 Timothy 4:12]




Stereotype: A popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals.

Vertical Dimensions: A way of seeing the world around you based on a scale where the higher is better and the lower is worse.



Some people view "young" as a stereotype with vertical dimensions.  To them, to be young means to be irresponsible, selfish, disrespectful, reckless, clueless, out of control, and etc…  Some say, "The kids these days!"  And yet others rhetorically ask, "These young kids are our future?"  Some think that young people have less (or nothing at all) to offer.  Some people look right over the younger generations, as if they don't matter.  Some people view you this way.


The apostle Paul had something to say to "young" people.  He told us to set an example to anyone who would look down on us (have a stereotype with vertical dimensions).  Paul knew that the only way this vertical dimension would change, is if young people stepped up and proved that they don't fit into the molds of negative stereotypes.


A wise man once said, "There are only two things you can control in this life: your attitude and your actions."

This means something that impacts our lives.  It means that ultimately, we can't have control over other people; what they do or say.  It means that at the core of reality, the only thing we can truly control is ourself.


As young people, it is your responsibility to prove (through your attitude and actions) that this "stereotype with vertical dimensions," is wrong.  Being that you can only control your own attitude and your own actions, what are you willing to do?  Are you willing to set an example?  Are you willing to resist conforming to the stereotypes you've been placed in?


Remember, it's up to you.  
The ball is in your court.
It's in your hands.
People are watching to see what your next move is going to be...