Simple instructions: find a quiet place around the church and spend some personal time reading your Bible and praying.
It was interesting to see the different responses from the teens [this was the first time we'd ever done this at youth group].
Some teens chose to utilize the time ["we should do that again sometime"] and encouraged others to do so as well ["if you're not sure where to start reading, begin in Romans"], but others...not so much.
My heart is encouraged at times. But my heart is also very burdened.
As I drove home I was thinking about how we as youth leaders can not make these teens have alone time with God. We can't force them into a personal, devoted relationship with Christ. They're old enough to choose how they're going to spend their time.
And it's not just about the choices we make...but these choices reveal our heart and unveil whether or not our lives are in step with Christ.
These teens will soon enter some major decision-making years of their lives. Some are riding the fence when it comes to living a Christlike life.
Knowing the Bible stories since childhood, going to Sunday school, AWANA, and youth group whenever the church doors are open....these are all great things.
But will you let them impact your life?
Will you take the faith of your parents and grandparents and make it your own?
Will you choose to be the same person--one who pleases Christ--no matter where you are--whether it's walking down the halls of public high school, sitting in Sunday school class, at a friend's house choosing which movie to watch or music to listen to, in a conversation with your best friend as well as in a conversation with one of your parents' church friends?
Living for Christ is not a 1 or 2 day(s) of the week life...it's a 24/7, 365 lifestyle.
We love these teens and want with all our hearts for them to know the joy that comes when we follow in Jesus' footsteps. An easy life? Not promised or guaranteed. But joy that will not fade with life's circumstances.
My prayer and passion is for the youth [not just in our group, but all over the world!] of today to take to heart the words of David to his son Solomon,
"And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."
2 Chronicles 28:9
Know Him.
Serve Him with your heart [wholly] and your mind [willing].
He knows your motives.
He knows your plans.
He knows your thoughts. [even when you can hide them from others, you can't ever hide them from Him!]
Seek Him.
Live for Him.
I can guarantee this--you will not regret it.
4 comments:
Will be sure to share this with those in youth pastor ministry/calling!
This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking message. Tonight, at my small-group leaders' meeting, we prayed simply : "Jesus save our children and live in their hearts." I pray this for all of "our" children.
So many emotions after youth group, as a leader... some students you feel so encouraged about & it's so exciting see how God is using their enthusiasm for Him... others you just want to knock upside the head, if only it would help them see how God COULD use them if their eyes would only be opened to His sovereignty & heart submitted to Him!
(As a side note, as a past youth pastor's wife, it's "great" to hear how you are burdened for them & their spiritual lives. As a yp wife you have to juggle your "real" children & your "youth children" but it's amazing the impact you will have when you allow yourself to be used by God... including opening up yourself to them by praying for & being burdened for their spiritual needs.)
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