Growing In Godliness: A Teen Girl’s Guide To Maturing In Christ
This book is J.C. Ryle’s Holiness for teenage girls! There are a lot of changes that happen in the life of a teenage girl as they transition from elementary school to high school. Lindsey Carlson presents young teen girls with the practical theology necessary for leaving childhood and entering the teen years. The biblical foundation of this book comes from Ephesians 4:13-15 where Paul writes that we “no longer be children” and to “grow up in every way” into Christ. The intention of this book is to create an opportunity for discipleship between a mother and daughter, but of course, the book has wider applications. Even I found myself challenged and encouraged by the call to holiness and solid biblical content in this book. I could not put it down.
I am not aware of any book written specifically to teenage girls on the topic of holiness. Carlson constantly reminds her teenage readers that they are not too young to grow in their walk with Christ and emphasizes the importance of it over all other aspects of life.She covers topics such as identity, purpose, the sovereignty of God, the importance of being in God’s Word, being involved in the local church, prayer, the tongue, feelings, etc.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes:
“I recognize it may come as a shock that your heart can’t be trusted. Maybe you’ve assumed because you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and your soul “knows it very well” – that your heart is trustworthy. But when you understand what Scripture says your heart is capable of – evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander – you’ll also understand why it’s not smart to follow it down the path of destruction. In Paul’s Second letter to Timothy he writes, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). Growing in godliness requires you first and foremost, to stop following your heart… Your emotions should lead you to fellowship with God; to understand and follow his heart. The Psalmist writes, “But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Be angry and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord” (Ps. 4:3-5). Your heart is not called to free expression, but to holiness.”
After each chapter there are reflection questions and Scriptures to memorize under the sections entitled Ask, Identify, Write, and Pray. These are great helps for deeper reflection and application.
This book is great for tween to early teenage girls, parents looking to disciple their teenage daughters, youth pastors, and churches looking for discipleship material for their youth ministry.