CHRIST'S WORK IN THE YOUTH OF THE CHURCH

What does Christ see in them, and how does he go about drawing it out?

What Christ sees is the leaders of tomorrow. If they let him, he will train them to be real heroes. Not ones who puff themselves up with pride, but ones who will be covered in his glory!

So why would Jesus single them out anyway? Let’s read; 1 Corinthians 7:14.

1 Corinthians 7:14 “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.”

This tells us that as long as one of the parents of a minor are called by God, he will be working with their children, also. All their children. God doesn’t have favourites, even if the parents do. He will be with them, and the more they show interest in him, the more he can help them. Our youngsters have the same access to God as we adults do. And always remember the story of David; it is not always the parent’s blue eyed boys whom Jesus can use the most! It’s the boy or girl who follows him wholeheartedly. So all our young men and women have the opportunity to be leaders in the world tomorrow.

You may be wondering, “How is Christ training the youth now?”

Well, firstly for two hours per week he trains us all through the hymns and sacred songs that we sing. Through the sermonettes and sermons, he brings us understanding of various things in his word, and shows us the way forward in our lives. He also teaches us through the reading of his word; then God speaks to us. That’s two hours out of a week of 168 hours, or 1.2% of the week. Are we all using this small amount of time wisely, knowing God is watching and waiting on us. Remember that real wisdom come from Christ, and go to him for more.

God gives us theoretical and practical lessons that teach us to live with each other, and how to live at one with him. Christ shows us in his word the problems of partisanship and bias on the one hand, and carrying chips on our shoulder on the other. The youth of our church can and do lead the way in sharing and caring for each other, and that’s good to see. That’s Christian living in action.

Now what about your relationship with Jesus away from Church services? During the week you have opportunities to draw near to him in your own personal study and prayer; and as he guides you through his spirit. Ask him for His help in every decision. Get to know His voice in how He responds to you.

So to what extent do we ask God to be part of our lives and our life decisions. Do we ask him for help to live each day as He would like? Is Christ part of your studies, as well as a partner in your studies. Also are we adults giving the youth opportumnity to be young Christian heroes? , who do what is right, even when school or college friends want to go the wrong way. Someone who battles against large human odds, but with supernatural help from God, wins out in the end?

What percentage of our private time, when only God and us are in the picture, are we devoting to Christ. It’s an open question to all of us, young or old. How much time do we spend with our best friend? And, is it Christ you were thinking of when I said that? Remember he is your only permanent help. So study and meditate on God.

That is mental and spiritual training. Realising that you are in the presence of God, and having a mind tuned to him, but what about the physical side of our lives?

Whatever physical help we give to others we are giving to Christ as he says in Matt_25:40. Are you a help at the home? Are you a help at services? This is all part of showing love for Christ. That’s what he would do if he were here! Are we obedient to those in authority as to the Lord? Christ was! Christ wants to help you to be a success. To have an abundant life. But he will only help you to follow the right path.

Let’s look at 1 Timothy 4:12. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example as a faithful believer; in word, in conversation, in charity, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

God looks for us all to follow Christ’s living example. That is the path, and he WILL help you to make your life a success. Christ will use all the opportunities that are presented to develop our character and the youth of the church have the same opportunities. They can help in church activities; there are various physical ministries which they can take part in; and more and more opportunities will come their way. Your aim should be to prepare yourself through learning from Christ while you are young?

We also as adults must not do anything to hinder them from coming to Christ, but encourage all of them to make the most of the opportunities that come their way. Having Christ as a partner and friend in all things, school, college, sport, work, church. Our youth has the opportunity to become God’s heroes.

Let’s all help them to do it!

Best wishes for grace and the peace of Jesus.

Attlee.