Let Downs

Yesterday I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with some of my students at one of the local High Schools. I showed up just before first lunch began and waited in the cafeteria. The bell buzzed and shortly there was pandemonium! Students running wild everywhere; trying to get their food and the specific table that they sit at day in and day out. A short time passed and I was able to find my student, who was accompanied by one of her friends. She shared with me that her older sister had instructed her to text her and let her know if I "actually showed." I heard this and my heart was saddened. Still being new to formal ministry I understand that I approach with a sense of naivety, but it does not take a life long evangelist like Billy Graham or someone with doctorate to follow through with what he says he is going to do. I am not speaking ill of the youth pastors these students have had in the past at all, please do not be confused, rather I am speaking on how I want my ministry to be.

1 Peter 2:15 says "For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men." Granted this passage in context is speaking on honoring God by submitting to authority, but the idea here is: by doing right you live in a way that is above reproach. This means living what you preach. Too often Christians are seen as hypocrites because we say one thing and practice another. Not only do we risk turning non-believers away with this attitude, we (the church) risk losing the young believers we already have, the believers the Holy Spirit has already saved. I am not saying by losing these young ones they will lose their salvation, rather my fear is they will see the faults of the church and say to themselves "what's the point?" and fall away.

For much of the last month I have challenged my students to live in a way that sets them apart. A way that will cause people to ask themselves 'what am I missing?' I have only been with this group for shortly over a month now, and I love them so much already! I see so much potential in them, and I feel the Lord working in this group already. I pray as they continue to grow not only will they begin to truly "practice what they preach," but that they will see me doing the same. What good am I doing if I fail to follow through with what I say I will do? Students are very observant, they watch extremely close and are looking for direction. I have an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me on behalf of these students. I pray I truly submit to His leading, and these students see that and begin to follow the prompting of His Spirit as well. AMEN