Responsibility

Hey friends.  Pastor Mike here again to share some thoughts about what we'll be traveling through with your students this week.  Our theme for the week is "Responsibility."  We will be exploring the responsibilities that we have as men and women of Christ.  Respect and care for the opposite sex has pretty much gone out the door in the society that we live in so we want to intentionally stop and ask...Why?  Is it possible to be a guy or girl (with all the teenage hormones, desires, etc.) and still honor the opposite gender in a Godly way?  We believe it is and, more importantly, scripture teaches us that it IS possible.

We will be using John 15:1-17 as a reference verse for this week.  In this passage there is a lot of talk about bearing "good fruit" vs. bearing "bad fruit or no fruit at all."  We will be using the phrase "your fruit never lies" as a starting point to realize that Christ is our vine and source for bearing fruit.  Obviously, if our lives are not rooted in Him, we will not bear fruit, or at most we'll create bad fruit that would only be thrown away.  This scripture passage in itself could sum up our series of "Living life in an Abercrombie and Fitch world" because it gives us a clear understanding that we cannot have healthy relationships or desires if our lives are not focused on and centered around Jesus.  The sad, but true reality of this passage is that it also says "He cuts off every brach in him that bears no fruit."  This verse paints a picture of the destruction that we face in life, relationships, and desires when we choose to control our own life without giving it up to God on a daily basis.  So now I ask you parents...What kind of fruit are you bearing as a model for you student?  Hmmm, something to think about maybe.

A few days ago, I was riding in a car on the way to the movies with a couple of my Jr. high sponsors and we were talking about things we had been going through in our small group with students.  We came to the point of asking the question, "How is it that we take a student with little to no church/Godly background and bring them to a point of desiring God-honoring relationships, desires, and ultimately a life centered around Christ?"  I realize that this might be the toughest question in youth ministry, but this question has been eating at me a bit.  Is it by modeling an example as their leader?  Sure.  Is it by introducing them to scripture through lessons and teaching?  Definitely.  Is it by loving as Christ calls us to love?  You bet.  Is it by creating a forgiving and open community for them to take part in?  Without a doubt.  The answer is a combination of many questions like these and this is part of our mission as your youth leaders.  Please continue to journey with us through prayer and contemplation as we walk with your students.