Sometimes teenagers give me great hope for the future. Felicia Thompson, a Christian teen called me the other day in order to test a decision she had made.

It seems that the school had asked her to lead the prayer at graduation ceremonies and this had caused her some concern. On one hand, she appreciated the honor the teachers had bestowed upon her with this request. On the other, her training in Bible class had taught her that when it came to mixed public gatherings, men were to lead in prayer. (Timothy 2:8)

I loved the conclusion she shared with me on the phone. She said that, "…to do such a thing would go beyond my role as a Christian woman." In her answer I saw that she had learned several things not taught in her Math or English classes.

1. God's Approval Is More Important Than Man's Approval. Felicia's decision was not about prayer or religion, it was about who she wanted to please. In the end she chose to please God rather than please others or herself...

2. Training Pays Off. The decision was the result of years of training by her grandparents, her parents and too many teachers to count. When the time came to choose, she framed her decision against the teaching she had received and confirmed it with the Bible. ---the rest was easy.

3. Doing Right Is Its Own Reward. As she reviewed her decision with me I could hear the assurance and joy she felt in offering a small sacrifice to her Lord. It always feels good to do what you know is right.

Felicia Thompson won't be offering God a prayer on graduation night. She will be offering something much more precious, her obedience.