20 Things Every Twenty-Something Christian Should Know

Cortney Whiting

The decade of my twenties seemed like a whirlwind. In the ten-year span, I finished college, worked full-time, dated part-time, went to seminary, went into ministry, married, and had two children. In all the rushing of life, God taught me several lessons along the way. Here are twenty things I learned or wish I had known back in my twenties.

1. There is great value in being above reproach. No one can form rumors about what you did at a party that you never attended. (1 Peter 2:9)
2. Enjoy the journey of becoming. We rush through seasons trying to “get there,” that we miss out on the joy in the moments of the present. (Colossians 2:6-7)
3. Sometimes, your most difficult conversations are the ones that bear the most fruit. Learn to handle confrontation well. (Matthew 18:15-20)
4. True love is being wiling to set aside your plans to help meet the needs of your partner. This willingness to help should come from both sides of the relationship. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
5. Even if you do not agree with people who are placed in charge over you, it is important to respect their position of leadership. Your respect will show your character. (1 Peter 5:5)
6. You only live once. Make sure you are living a life that leaves a legacy. (Matthew 6:20-21)
7. You are gifted and talented like no one else. Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others. (Galatians 6:4-5)
8. Words only go so far. If you want someone to know how much you care, act accordingly. (1 John 3:18)
9. If you want to get ahead in life, work hard and watch what you say. (Proverbs 13:2-3)
10. Thinking too much of yourself will only make people think less of you. Listening to the advice of others will take you far. (Proverbs 13:10)
11. It is better to live on little while you are young and be debt-free than to live extravagantly and have debt follow you for the rest of your life. (Romans 13:8)
12. In everything you do, work at it as if your boss is God, not man. It will keep your standards high and your joy complete. (Colossians 3:17)
13. Always remember to say, “Thank you.” A little appreciation goes a long way. (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
14. Practice hospitality. It is a lost art, but it is a way to open our hearts to others. (1 Peter 4:8-10)
15. Being mentored by someone who has walked ahead of you in life is one of the greatest gifts you can be given. (Proverbs 27:17)
16. It is better to lose an argument with grace than to win an argument and hurt a relationship. (2 Timothy 2:23-25)
17. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. These three principles will help you in every relationship. (James 1:19-20)
18. Forgiveness is both the gift God gives us for a relationship with Him as well as the means to restore our relationship with others. When wronged, remember the forgiveness you have received. (Colossians 3:13)
19. The life-cycle of your faith, family, and friends is much longer than the life-cycle of your job. Prioritize accordingly. (Matthew 6:33)
20. Failures are opportunities for growth. Learn from your mistakes and move forward. (Proverbs 24:16)

Cortney is a wife and mother of two wonderfully energetic children. She received her Masters of Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. After serving in the church for nearly 15 years, Cortney currently serves as a lay-leader and writes for various Christian ministries. You can find her at www.unveilinggraces.blogspot.com.