Student Ministry Blog

Proverbs 18:24

Proverbs 27:17

Acceptance, popularity, a sense of  belonging, desire to be loved… These are powerful influences. Though a teen may think they lead to happiness, if left unchecked, they can lead to pain and regret. Samson discovered this the hard way; it cost him his life. The story of Samson is a tragedy. Though he is often pictured as a hero a closer reading of his story in Judges 16 reveals an arrogant, woman-focused man, who allowed an unhealthy relationship with a woman to lead him away from God. Delilah didn’t care for Samson; she didn’t love him; she used him selling him out for a huge sum of money. She tried three times to get him to tell her the secret of his strength. Each time he lied. Each time she came back to him angry. Eventually, he gave into her and disobeyed God disclosing the source of his strength. The Bible tells us, “his strength left him” when she shaved his head while he slept. His desire for Delilah led him to disobedience. He didn’t plan for this to happen.

I think there’s something to be learned from Samson. Unhealthy relationships can lead us away from God into dark places. Pursuing happiness through relationships often leads us away from God. Relationships are important, but they aren’t the source of happiness and joy in our lives.  Wanting acceptance, wanting to belong… when these things become our focus rather than God they lead us away from God.  True happiness and joy does not depend on our relationships with others. It comes from God alone.

Are there relationships toxic to your faith? Here are just a few questions to consider:

• Do I hide this relationship from my parents?
• Do I change my behavior, attitude, or language around this person or group of people?
• Do I feel comfortable talking about my faith?