Yes, it may have been more religious, or at least more committed to the moral and spiritual values God has given us in His Word, the Bible. By almost any standard, our society has grown increasingly secular and even anti-religious in the last half-century or so.

In some ways, therefore, it may be harder for a young person to avoid the pitfalls and pressures that are all around them. All too often, young people today are constantly bombarded with the message that there is no such thing as right or wrong and they ought to be free to live any way they want to. Immorality and selfishness are glorified in the media, and the pressure to conform to what others are doing can be almost overwhelming. A young person who wants to live for Christ may face mockery or scorn.

But in other ways the world has not changed—because human nature has not changed. Nor has our need for God changed—because without Him, our lives are adrift and we end up constantly searching for lasting peace and happiness, but never finding them.

Don’t let the pressure of the crowd, or anything else, keep you from giving your life to Jesus Christ. It is the most important decision you will ever make. Then make it your goal to live for Him and follow Him every day. Let Jesus’ words be your guide: “You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).