Every day I’m assaulted by the world’s propaganda. I need effective tools in my spiritual toolbox. I need sharp weapons in my spiritual weaponry. I need worthy books causing me to set my mind on things above, where Christ is (Col. 3:2).
You do too.
Here are ten books to bolster your everyday mission of living as a Christian teenager:
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Your life is not your own. It was bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). John Piper encourages Christians at every stage of life not to throw their days into the waste can of worldly pleasures.
Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
Is it hard to believe that you—a teenager—can impact the world for Christ? Alex and Brett Harris successfully prove that idea wrong. Their book, blog, and mission have impacted me immensely.
Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
Jim Elliot’s short life has been a massive inspiration to me. Jim was martyred at age twenty-eight, and was twenty when he wrote these fiery words:
God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn up for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.[I]
This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe
Jaquelle’s example as a Christian young person and friend has deeply affected me. She writes as a teen to teens, without sacrificing an ounce of theological depth. Her message is clear: The gospel should transform everything about your life.
Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung
What does it mean to “find God’s will for your life”? Is his will really hidden—a puzzle you must solve? Kevin DeYoung is a funny and fantastic writer who emboldened me to take godly action instead of sitting in the waiting room of God’s will.
The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett
Besides my Bible, this is the book on my nightstand, in my suitcase, and sitting on my breakfast table. The Puritans’ prayers are painfully honest and beautifully true and applicable for any Christ-following teen.
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
God is holy. Do you know what that means? Does the thought of an Almighty God make you tremble? Does it overwhelm you like it did Isaiah (Is. 6:5)? It should. As young people, it’s crucial we grasp the utter holiness of God and the utter ugliness of our sin.
Radical by David Platt
A selfish, materialistic, comfort-zone-abiding teenager, Radical challenged me. It forced me to acknowledge my wealth in light of the world’s poverty and to live on mission for the gospel. This book might just flip your world upside-down.
(For Guys) Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle
This is the only book listed I haven’t read. It comes highly recommended by my brother and is filled with godly advice like this:
God does not look at riches, titles, education, beauty, or anything of the kind. There is only one thing that God does look at, and that is the immortal soul… Do not forget this.[ii]
(For Girls) Girl Defined by Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird
The world is brimming with lies—most of which are aimed at teen girls. Kristen and Bethany take an honest and Christ-centered approach at unpacking biblical womanhood in a sinful culture. Any girl can glean from this one.
In a world swarming with sin and lies and temptations, let’s arm ourselves with truth. Let’s fill our spiritual toolboxes and weaponries with lethal instruments.
Let’s fight back the dark by reading more rich, godly, truth-packed books.
[i] Elisabeth Elliot, Shadow of the Almighty (pg. 55)
[ii] J.C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men (pg. 51)
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