What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

As I moved into a new season of life this past year, I’ve grown more introspective. The song “Dear Younger Me,” by the contemporary Christian band MercyMe, has especially resonated during this time.

Here are a few things I would share with my younger self if I could. This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start. How many can you relate to?

1. You can’t do anything to make God love you more or less than He already does.

The love of others, including family and friends, might depend on your ability to perform or please them, but God isn’t like people. His love for you will outlive and outlast your worst days, your most severe mistakes, and even your deepest sins. Once you receive His gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, you belong to Him, and you’re His forever.

2. Busyness in ministry is not a substitute for intimacy.

Your relationship with God in Christ is not centered on religious activities. Who you are in Christ begins with the birth of new life and adoption as a child of God. Spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Bible, prayer, and participation in a local body of Christ, are important for your spiritual growth. But your salvation is the result of God’s work in you, not the result of your work to make it happen.

3. Seek mentors and be a mentor.

Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” You’ll never have all the answers this side of heaven. Our finite minds don’t possess the capability to resolve every question. Know where to look for the answers God has already provided, and trust Him for the faith to release the remaining questions.

Look forward and back. Seek mentors who will walk with you through the various seasons of life, provide godly counsel, and both challenge and encourage you through good times and bad. Mentor others on a similar journey and be willing to share what God has taught you.

4. The Christian life is not about trying harder or working smarter to do better.

God declared you justified, giving you a righteous standing before Him, when you received the salvation Jesus purchased for you. But for the rest of your life, His Holy Spirit will be at work in your spirit to gradually make you more like Christ—more like what God already declared you to be. This is the process of sanctification. And this process includes two critical components: grace and surrender. Grace, because it is God’s gift, not earned or deserved. And surrender, because this is His work, not ours.

5. Don’t worry about the parts of Scripture you don’t understand. Start by obeying the parts you do understand.

Reading and studying the Bible will be challenging at times, but don’t give up. And don’t worry about applying the parts of Scripture you don’t understand. First obey the parts you do. As you obey what you know, the Holy Spirit will grow your ability to do the next right thing in your life, step by step.

6. Choose to release your disappointment before it grows into a bitterness that will consume you.

We live in a fallen world. People will disappoint you. Parents, teachers, even pastors and other Christians will fail to live up to your expectations. Purpose now to release your disappointment before it establishes a deep root of bitterness. Give others the same amount of grace you want God to give you.

7. Don’t be surprised when unbelievers behave like unbelievers.

On the other hand, don’t expect unbelievers to have the same moral values you have as a Christian. Choose your friends wisely, developing your deepest friendships with other believers. But don’t hide in a Christian bubble. God will draw unbelievers into your sphere of influence. Love them and be a light that reflects Jesus in their dark world.

8. Avoid comparing yourself and your gifts to other people.

God created you as an individual with a unique combination of gifts and talents like no other person on earth. Don’t compare yourself to others. Serve the Lord with the abilities He gave you. Only then can you be both blessed and a blessing.

What advice would you add to this list for your younger self? Share in the comments!