Culture Lies vs. Scriptural Truth for Teen Ministry
This list aims to equip young people with discernment by highlighting common societal messages and contrasting them with the enduring truths found in Scripture. Read them and see how they can affect you in your daily life. Many of the items will probably surprise you, but keep in mind these lies have been pushed for a long time… until now.
Also, let your friends know so they can also separate themselves form the lies.
1. The Lie: “You need to be popular and accepted by everyone to be happy and successful.”
Cultural Emphasis: Social media likes, fitting in, peer approval, constant validation.
Scriptural Truth: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)
Focus: True fulfillment comes from pleasing God, not from the fleeting approval of others.
Encouragement: God’s love is unconditional and eternal. Our worth is found in Him, not in our social standing.
2. The Lie: “Success means accumulating wealth and possessions.”
Cultural Emphasis: Materialism, consumerism, the “more is better” mentality.
Scriptural Truth: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15, NIV)
Focus: True richness lies in spiritual wealth, character, and living according to God’s will.
Encouragement: Invest in eternal treasures – kindness, generosity, faith, and love – which cannot be taken away.
3. The Lie: “If you feel it, it must be true or right.”
Cultural Emphasis: Subjectivism, emotionalism as the ultimate guide, personal feelings dictate reality.
Scriptural Truth: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ‘I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, even to give each one what is due him according to his deeds, according to what his hands have done.'” (Jeremiah 17:9-10, NIV)
Focus: Our emotions can be unreliable. God’s Word is the ultimate, unchanging standard for truth.
Encouragement: Learn to test your feelings against biblical principles and seek God’s wisdom to guide your understanding.
4. The Lie: “You must achieve perfection to be worthy.”
Cultural Emphasis: High expectations, fear of failure, striving for flawlessness in appearance, performance, or intellect.
Scriptural Truth: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)
Focus: Our worth is not earned through our achievements but is a gift from God through grace.
Encouragement: Embrace God’s grace and forgiveness. Strive for growth and excellence out of love for Him, not out of a need for validation.
5. The Lie: “Love is just a feeling; if it fades, the relationship is over.”
Cultural Emphasis: Romanticized notions of love, emphasis on fleeting emotions, easy to give up when challenges arise.
Scriptural Truth: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV)
Focus: True love is an action, a commitment, and a choice, characterized by specific virtues, not just a feeling.
Encouragement: Cultivate biblical love through intentional actions, forgiveness, and commitment, understanding that God’s love for us is the ultimate model.
6. The Lie: “Your past defines your future; you can’t escape your mistakes.”
Cultural Emphasis: Labels, past failures overshadowing potential, dwelling on regrets.
Scriptural Truth: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
Focus: In Christ, past sins and failures are forgiven and do not dictate our future identity or destiny.
Encouragement: Embrace the new identity and fresh start offered through faith in Jesus. Focus on the path God has for you now.
7. The Lie: “You are alone in your struggles.”
Cultural Emphasis: Isolation, individualism, feeling like the only one facing difficulties.
Scriptural Truth: “Two are better than one, because together they have good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV) and “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)
Focus: God designed us for community and connection. We are called to support and encourage one another.
Encouragement: Seek out supportive Christian friendships and community. You are part of God’s family and never truly alone.
8. The Lie: “True beauty is only on the outside.”
Cultural Emphasis: Focus on physical appearance, body image pressures, superficial standards of beauty.
Scriptural Truth: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV)
Focus: Inner character, kindness, humility, and a heart devoted to God are what hold true, lasting beauty.
Encouragement: Cultivate a beautiful spirit through faith, love, and service. God sees and values the heart above all else.
9. The Lie: “God helps those who help themselves.”
Cultural Emphasis: Self-reliance to an extreme, pride in independence, viewing God’s help as a reward for personal effort.
Scriptural Truth: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV)
Focus: Salvation and God’s favor are gifts of grace, not earned by our efforts. We are empowered by His Spirit to do good works.
Encouragement: Recognize your dependence on God. Trust in His power and provision, and then partner with Him in the good works He has prepared.
10. The Lie: You gotta be perfect to be loved.
The Vibe: Social media got us feeling like we need the perfect filter, the perfect life, the perfect everything to be liked. It’s all about looking good on the outside, right? Goals InstaPerfect
Scriptural Truth: Nah, fam! God’s love is unconditional. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He loved us when we were messy, not when we had it all together. Jesus came for the sick, not the healthy!
11. The Lie: More stuff = More happiness.
The Vibe: We’re constantly bombarded with ads telling us we need the latest phone, the coolest kicks, the biggest house to be happy. “You deserve it!” they whisper.
Scriptural Truth: Jesus keeps it in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” True joy ain’t found in your bank account, it’s found in Him.
12. The Lie: If it feels good, do it.
The Vibe: This one’s everywhere! YOLO, right? Follow your heart, chase your desires, no matter what. Consequences? Optional.
Scriptural Truth: Proverbs 14:12 is a serious reality check: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Our feelings can be super misleading, y’all. God’s Word is our ultimate guide, not our fleeting emotions. Gotta keep it locked to His truth!
13. The Lie: You’re defined by your mistakes.
The Vibe: One wrong move and suddenly that’s your whole identity. Cancel culture, anyone? It’s hard to bounce back when everyone’s reminding you of your Ls.
Scriptural Truth: Ephesians 4:32 is the ultimate glow-up anthem: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When we accept Jesus, our past is wiped clean. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is the ultimate flex: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” You’re not your mistakes; you’re a new creation in Christ!
15. The Lie: “You can create your own truth.”
Cultural Emphasis: Relativism, postmodernism, the idea that truth is subjective and personal.
Scriptural Truth: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (John 14:6, NIV)
Focus: Truth is not a matter of personal preference or opinion; it is objective and rooted in God’s character and Word.
Encouragement: Seek truth in the Bible and in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth.
16. The Lie: “Your body is your own; you can do whatever you want with it.”
Cultural Emphasis: Body autonomy, self-expression through physical appearance, disregard for the consequences of actions.
Scriptural Truth: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV)
Focus: Our bodies are sacred gifts, temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to treat them with respect and honor.
Encouragement: Make choices that honor God with your body, considering the impact of your actions on your health, well-being, and spiritual life.
17. The Lie: “You don’t need anyone; independence is the ultimate goal.”
Cultural Emphasis: Individualism, self-reliance, the pursuit of personal freedom above all else.
Scriptural Truth: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV) and “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)
Focus: We are created for community and are called to support and encourage one another.
Encouragement: Build strong relationships within your faith community. Seek support and offer help to others.
18. The Lie: “It’s okay to be angry; it’s a natural and healthy emotion.”
Cultural Emphasis: Uncontrolled expression of anger, glorification of rage, justification of aggressive behavior.
Scriptural Truth: “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)
Focus: While anger is a natural emotion, it should not lead to sin or be used to justify harmful actions.
Encouragement: Learn to manage anger constructively, seeking God’s help to overcome it and respond with grace and love.
19. The Lie: “You can find fulfillment in romance and a relationship.”
Cultural Emphasis: Placing ultimate value on romantic relationships, seeking validation and happiness solely through a partner.
Scriptural Truth: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
Focus: True fulfillment comes from a relationship with God.
Encouragement: Prioritize your relationship with God. Seek His guidance in relationships, and remember that your worth is not defined by your relationship status.
20. The Lie: “You can have it all.”
Cultural Emphasis: The pressure to juggle career, family, social life, and personal interests, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Scriptural Truth: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV)
Focus: Life involves seasons and priorities. It is not possible to do everything at once.
Encouragement: Learn to prioritize and focus on what is most important. Seek God’s guidance in setting healthy boundaries and accepting that you cannot do everything.
21. The Lie: “If you’re not making a difference in the world, you’re not important.”
Cultural Emphasis: Pressure to achieve grand accomplishments, the focus on fame and impact, and the idea that ordinary life is insignificant.
Scriptural Truth: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23, NIV)
Focus: God values faithfulness and obedience in all areas of life, no matter how small.
Encouragement: Find joy in serving God in your everyday life. Recognize that even small acts of kindness and faithfulness can make a difference.
22. The Lie: “You have to be loud to be heard.”
Cultural Emphasis: The need to be assertive, aggressive, or attention-seeking to get noticed.
Scriptural Truth: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Focus: God often works in quietness and stillness.
Encouragement: Cultivate a quiet spirit and listen for God’s voice. Remember that your character and actions speak louder than words.
23. The Lie: “The end justifies the means.”
Cultural Emphasis: The belief that any action is acceptable if it leads to a desired outcome.
Scriptural Truth: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV)
Focus: Our actions should be guided by moral principles, even when facing difficult situations.
Encouragement: Act with integrity and honesty, even when it is difficult. Trust that God will work through your obedience.
24. The Lie: “There is no absolute good or evil.”
Cultural Emphasis: Moral relativism, the belief that morality is subjective and that there is no universal standard of right and wrong.
Scriptural Truth: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)
Focus: God is the source of all good, and His Word provides clear guidelines for right and wrong.
Encouragement: Seek God’s wisdom and strive to live a life that reflects His character.
25. The Lie: “You have to be in a romantic relationship to be complete.”
Cultural Emphasis: Societal pressure to couple up, the idea that singleness is undesirable or a sign of failure.
Scriptural Truth: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV) and “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. … It is good for them not to marry.” (1 Corinthians 7:7, NIV)
Focus: Our completeness and identity are found in Christ, not in a relationship status. God made us male and female, and also values those who choose singleness for His purposes.
Encouragement: Embrace your identity in Christ, whether you are single or in a relationship. Find your fulfillment in Him first.
26. The Lie: “If you don’t see immediate results, it’s not working.”
Cultural Emphasis: Instant gratification, impatience, focus on visible outcomes over process.
Scriptural Truth: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)
Focus: God’s timing and His plan are often unseen and require perseverance. Faith involves trusting the process even when results aren’t immediate.
Encouragement: Trust God’s timing and remain faithful in your efforts, knowing that He honors perseverance and faithfulness.
27. The Lie: “You are defined by your feelings.”
Cultural Emphasis: Emotional validation above all else, basing decisions and identity on how one feels.
Scriptural Truth: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV) and “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
Focus: While feelings are real, they are not the ultimate source of truth or identity. The Holy Spirit cultivates godly character within us.
Encouragement: Learn to discern your emotions through the lens of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Seek His peace and joy, which are not dependent on circumstances.
28. The Lie: “God only speaks through the Bible.”
Cultural Emphasis: A rigid, sometimes legalistic, interpretation that denies God’s ongoing communication through the Holy Spirit.
Scriptural Truth: “The Spirit gives life; sin has no power to save you. But if the Spirit dwelling within you is active and alive, then your bodies will come to life because of his Spirit living in you.” (Romans 8:10-11, NLT) and “However, when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what has yet to come.” (John 16:13, NIV)
Focus: While the Bible is our ultimate authority, the Holy Spirit actively guides, comforts, and speaks to believers today.
Encouragement: Read the Bible diligently, but also listen for the Holy Spirit’s gentle guidance in your daily life. Test all promptings against Scripture.
29. The Lie: “You need to be entertained constantly to be happy.”
Cultural Emphasis: Reliance on external stimuli, passive consumption of media, fear of boredom.
Scriptural Truth: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Focus: True contentment and peace come from an internal connection with God, not from constant external stimulation.
Encouragement: Cultivate moments of stillness and reflection to connect with God. Discover joy in simple things and in His presence.
30. The Lie: “Your worth is tied to your productivity.”
Cultural Emphasis: A hustle culture that equates value with output, achievement, and constant busyness.
Scriptural Truth: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
Focus: Our worth is established by God’s creation and redemption of us, not by what we do. Good works are a result of our identity in Christ, not the source of it.
Encouragement: Rest in the truth that you are loved and valued by God, simply because you are His creation. Your identity is secure in Him, regardless of your productivity.
31. The Lie: “It’s okay to gossip and spread rumors.”
Cultural Emphasis: Casual sharing of private information, judgment of others, seeking social currency through information.
Scriptural Truth: “The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23, NASB) and “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.” (Leviticus 19:16, NIV)
Focus: Words have power and can cause great harm. We are called to speak life and truth, not to tear others down.
Encouragement: Be mindful of your words. Choose to speak words that build up, encourage, and honor God and others.
32. The Lie: “You are too young to make a difference.”
Cultural Emphasis: Dismissal of youth contributions, belief that impact only comes with age and experience.
Scriptural Truth: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12, NIV)
Focus: God can use anyone, regardless of age, to accomplish His purposes. Youthful faith and action are powerful.
Encouragement: Embrace the unique gifts and passions God has given you. You have the power to make a difference for His kingdom right now!
33. The Lie: “Faith is blind; it requires abandoning reason.”
Cultural Emphasis: Portraying faith as irrational or anti-intellectual, a dichotomy between faith and reason.
Scriptural Truth: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) and “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)
Focus: True faith is not blind; it is a confident trust based on God’s character and revealed truth, which can be supported by reason and evidence.
Encouragement: Engage your mind in your faith. Seek to understand God’s Word and His world with both your heart and your intellect.
34. The Lie: “If God is good, bad things wouldn’t happen.”
Cultural Emphasis: Questioning God’s goodness or existence in the face of suffering and injustice.
Scriptural Truth: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) and “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
Focus: The Bible acknowledges suffering and hardship as realities in a fallen world, but it also assures us that God is sovereign and works all things for the ultimate good of those who love Him.
Encouragement: Trust God’s sovereignty and His ultimate plan, even when circumstances are difficult. His goodness is not negated by the presence of evil.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
H John & Jean
Our Divided World Ministry
john@ourdividedworld.com
jean@ourdividedworld.com
https://ourdividedworld.com
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