1. To discuss the current major causes of mental death
2. To understand the effects of social media on mental health
3. To learn how to avoid doing things that hurt our minds
4. To understand the great controversy

John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Psalm 101:3 -  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

NO ORDINARY YOUTH

Timothy was the grandson of Lois, and the son of Eunice, two women who were instrumental in raising the youth in the fear of the Lord.   When Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, met Timothy, he took notice of the noble character of this lad, and Paul makes reference to him in writing stating, “unto Timothy, my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).  Timothy did have a biological father of Greek descent, but Paul was his father in the faith.

As a young man, Timothy  witnessed  the sufferings of Paul in the city of Lystra.   He was aware of how the apostle was brutally stoned in that city, and deemed a dead man after falling to the ground.   However, while the Lystrian believers were lamenting the apostle’s fate, to their surprise, Paul rose to his feet, praising the Lord.  The believers were happy and joined in giving praises to God.  Timothy was one of the converts who had listened to the preaching and teaching of the gospel by Paul there in Lystra, and he would later decide to become an ardent worker for the Lord.

To be a minister of the gospel was a high and holy calling for Timothy.  He could not have spent hours on facebook or twitter communicating “sweet nonsense” if these media were in existence back then.   He could not partake of the worldly lusts that many a youth is drawn to.   He could not play board games that did no good for the soul.  He could neither spend precious time on what was forbidden by the Scriptures, nor be laxed in his duties.   “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation…….[teaches] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-14).  Timothy was expected to rely wholly on God to work tirelessly in gaining souls for His kingdom.

Besides the noble work of bringing souls to Christ, and working with them in different capacities, as well as living the truth that he would impart, Timothy knew that his calling would include suffering.  After all, he saw the cruelty Paul suffered in Lystra.  When Paul returned after a season to this place where he had been stoned, Timothy was by then ready to commit himself to the work of the ministry.  “His heart was knit with the heart of Paul, and he longed to share the apostle’s labors by assisting as the way might open” (AA, pp. 202, 203).

Paul chose Timothy as a companion as he labored in the ministry in multiple places.  Timothy, still a youth, was charged with the responsibility of teaching the people in Ephesus while Paul was in Macedonia.  What was Timothy supposed to teach these people?  It was to teach no other doctrine, but the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to give no heed to fables and endless genealogies which do not produce godly edification (See 1Timothy 1:3, 4).  Timothy was charged with exalting the law of God before the people.  Paul engaged this young man in discourse concerning the Scripture, seeking  “to deepen the impression that had already been made upon his mind of the sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 204).

“In his work, Timothy constantly sought Paul’s advice and instruction.  He did not move from impulse, but exercised consideration and calm thought, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord?” (AA, p. 205).

When Timothy traveled with the apostle to places like Pisidia and Galatia, his central focus was the cross of Calvary.  Regardless of what issues they were met with in the regions they visited, they wanted to exalt Christ and Him crucified.   As a protege of Paul, Timothy knew how important it was to speak of the death of Christ to let the love of God for His children capture the mind of all hearers of the Word.  He, therefore, committed himself to share the truth about Jesus coming into the world to save sinners to inspire hope and belief in Jesus our Lord.

1. 1.How important is child rearing for proper character development, that is, growth in morals and values?
2. What steps did Timothy’s mother and grandmother take to raise him well?
3. Why did Paul choose Timothy as one of his companions in ministry?,
4. What character traits did Paul see in Timothy?
5. What are some important steps to take in sharing the gospel?
6. Why do you think, as in the case of some of the people in Lystra, some people are enemies of the gospel?
7. Why is understanding the gospel very important?
8. What is your understanding of the gospel?
9. What is the blessed hope of every believer in Jesus?

Overexposure to advanced technology and information overload are crippling children's minds in many ways.  Children are constantly being exposed to more and more evil, cruelty, and immorality.  Since there is constant progress in technological advancements, children will continue to be impacted, unless they are made aware of the danger associated with improper usage of technological devices, and take steps to minimize or eliminate usage.

Studies have been conducted that prove the dangers associated with the increasing use of technology.  According to the National Center of Health Research, since the release of smartphones, mental health concerns have increased in children and young adults.  The rate of adolescents reporting symptoms of major depression in a given year increased by 52% from 2005 to 2017.  Experiencing psychological distress in a given month grew 71% in young adults from 2008 to 2017.  In 2012, surveys in the US and Europe found the prevalence of Internet Addiction Disorder rates to be between 1.5 and 8.2%.  Research suggests that these rates will likely also increase as social media use increases.  Between 5% and 10% of Americans meet the criteria for social media addiction.

It has also been noted that people talk about themselves around 30-40% of the time in person.  However, on social media, people talk about themselves 80% of the time.  When they receive a notification of positive feedback, they feel a positive sensation from dopamine.  Receiving positive feedback stimulates the brain to release dopamine.  This rewards the behavior associated with social media, and perpetuates the habit of using it.  Thus, dopamine's motivational properties play a role in addiction.

Children and young adults experience the most impact.  This isn't a huge surprise since they use social media the most and grew up as digital natives.  By 2015, 92% of teens and young adults owned a smartphone.  As smartphone use increased, so did feelings of depression.  Between 2012 and 2015, depression in boys increased by 21% and in girls by 50%.  Thirteen percent of kids ages 12-17 report depression, and 32% report anxiety.  These age groups reported high usage of social media.  Another study in 2017 of eighth to twelfth graders found that high levels of depressive symptoms increased by 33% between 2010 and 2015.  And these patterns point to social media.

Social media is significantly impacting the lives of children.  Almost 25% of teens view social media as having a negative effect. The 2017 study also found that fifty-nine percent of teens experienced cyberbullying or online harassment.  Ninety percent of teens think this harassment is a problem that affects other people their age.  Sixty-three percent say that it's a significant problem.  Sadly, 4.11 is the average age a child is first exposed to porn, and 94% of children will see it by the age of 14.  Even worse, the rate of suicidal thoughts in young adults increased by 47% between 2010 and 2015.  The suicide rate for girls in the 12-17 age group increased by 65%.  Child suicide rates increased by up to 150%, and self-harm by girls ages 10 to 14 nearly tripled.  The statistics are shocking.

Some studies suggest that heavy digital media use leads to a loss of cognitive control.  These studies seem to indicate that in addition to losing attention and focus, digital media is causing many to lose their ability to control their minds and especially their thought processes.  For example, one study suggests that the more distracted a person is while using digital media, the less they are able to experience empathy.  Additionally, researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, have  "cognitive offloading," or the tendency to rely on the Internet for information over using our minds to think, memorize, or problem-solve.

It is vitally important that children understand the danger of relying solely upon technology for their social and mental needs.  The controversy that is taking place in the world between good and evil is a battle for their minds.  More than ever, the enemy is using technology to distract the minds of the youth.  As they learn about the controversy, let it be their aim to surrender their hearts to God, who alone can keep them safe from the enemy's traps.

Understand the controversy

There is a spiritual battle that is taking place in the world.  Two opposing sides want the souls of all, and only one will win.  The choice that is made between good and evil will determine one's eternal destiny.  There is the choice of eternal life or eternal death.   "There are many who do not understand the conflict that is going on between Christ and Satan over the souls of men.  They do not realize that if they would stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, they must be willing to be partakers of His conflicts and wage a determined war against the powers of darkness." HP, p. 259.2

The Bible teaches that everyone is involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan.  Christ aims to reveal the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty to the whole universe, while Satan desires to deface the lovely character of God with his alluring devices.  This conflict originated in Heaven.  Created with the freedom of choice, Satan began to exalt himself above the Creator.  He convinced other angels to rebel with him and was cast out of Heaven.  Eventually, he led Adam and Eve into sin with his Spirit of rebellion and disobedience.  Their disobedience caused the image of God to be distorted in His creation.  As a result, pain, disorder, and devastation came to the world.  However, Christ wants to protect and guide His creatures away from the destruction and pain caused by sin.

God sent His son, Christ Jesus, to help human beings come back to His image.  Christ gave His life to pay the debt for sin, and with divine help human beings can now choose to overcome sin in their lives.  Only those who choose to be led by Christ will be victorious.  What is sure is that God will win the great controversy.  Each person's decision will determine if they, too, will be on the winning side.

Guard your senses

Satan tries everything to get God's children to be on his side.  For Satan to try to trap a soul, he must first gain access to one's soul.  The five senses of the human body: seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and touching are the channels through which Satan can beset individuals, causing them to stumble.  Influences such as worldly entertainment, music, television, unhealthy appetite, competitive sports, and even inappropriate use of technology can lower our physical, mental, and moral powers.  If these idols are not cast out, it will be impossible for our Lord Jesus to reign supremely in our everyday lives.

"The apostle sought to teach the believers how important it is to keep the mind from wandering to forbidden themes or spending energies on trifling subjects.  Those who would not fall prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest." AA, p. 518.  Seeking pleasure at the theater is also a great danger.  “Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals.  Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle.  There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements...The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use.  The only safe course is to shun the theatre, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement." ML, p. 86

Satan is doing all he can to gain entrance to every soul, especially the youth.  To avoid his temptations, remember his methods of reaching the souls.  "All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues of the soul.  You will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears, and all your senses if you would control your mind and prevent vain and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul.  The power of grace alone can accomplish this most desirable work.  Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralysed condition of the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard; or, if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform the life." AH, p. 401.      

Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit to help.  "The Holy Spirit loves to address the youth, and to help them to discover the treasures and beauties of God's word.  The promises spoken by the great Teacher will captivate the senses and animate the soul with spiritual power that is divine.  There will grow in the fruitful mind a familiarity with divine things that will be as a barricade against temptation." COL, p. 132.

Put on your armor against evil

The Bible gives hope for successfully overcoming the enemy by putting on the armor of Christ.  "When thinking on the conflict, Paul writes to his Ephesian brethren exhorting them to "be strong," not feeble, not wavering, tossed to and fro like the waves of the sea.  But in what way are they to be strong?  In their own might?  No. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." He says, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph. 6:10-13." HP259.  Paul continues by saying, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:13-17).

1. Based on the statistics provided, how do the percentages of girls versus boys differ in mental health?
2. How many social media accounts do you have?
3. How many hours do you spend on social media?
4. In your opinion, at what age should children have their own cell phones?
5. In your opinion, at what age should children have their own access to social media accounts?
6. When you find it hard to turn off your technical devices, what do you do?
7. Summarize the great controversy in your own words.
8. What does it mean that Jesus died for our sins?
9. How much are you willing to give up for God who loves you so much?
10. Currently, what is your greatest temptation?
11. Explain the Biblical war garments mentioned in Ephesian 6:13-17 (breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit).

• Cognitive offloading:  refers to how our increasing reliance on the Internet and the ease of access to the vast resources available online are affecting our thought processes for problem solving, recalling and learning independently.
• Converts:  persons who have been persuaded to change their religious faith or other beliefs.
• Dopamine: is known as the “feel-good” hormone. It gives you a sense of pleasure. It also gives you the motivation to do something when you're feeling pleasure.
• Edification:  the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually.
• Genealogies:  the study and tracing of lines of descent or development.
• Habit:  regular practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
  Perpetuates: make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue indefinitely.
• Perseverance: persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
• Protege:  a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.
• Rectitude: morally correct behavior or thinking.
• Sentinel: to watch over as a guard.
• Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.
• Temptation: an urge or desire to do something, especially something you should not, or it refers to a wrong or forbidden pleasure that is enticing.

Activity 1

Materials needed:  construction/drawing paper, pencil, markers/crayons

Timothy was given the following instructions by Paul:

“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).

Draw a picture of something you can do to set an example for others.

Activity 2

Materials needed:  construction paper, writing paper, glue stick, pencil/pen

1. Read Paul’s instruction to Timothy again in 1 Timothy 4:12.
2. Explore the five ways Timothy was told to be an example.
3. Choose one of the five ways as a topic for your poem.
4. Determine the best format for your topic.  (Read a few poems from poetry books or on-line to help you, if needed).
5. Consider the following:  sound, rhythm, word, and imagery.
6. Write the poem.
7. Edit what you have written.
8. Glue the poem on construction paper.

Dear Father in Heaven, the Bible warns us against the traps of the enemy. Thank you for teaching us how to stay safe.  Please help us to stay away from anything that will keep us from having Christ-like characters.  Thank you for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins.  Help us to overcome temptation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.