I haven’t written on here in a good while, so I figured today was as good a day as any. I feel like things only get tougher as time goes by as far as my ministry is concerned. I worry about the youth group often. I sleep about 7 hours a night, leaving 17 “awake” hours, and about 15-16 of those are spent thinking, planning, scheming, worrying, and/or praying for the youth group. I know things get difficult, and tempations constantly surround every teenager. I know this because I remember. I also remember how much easier it is to fall into the trap of temptation than to stand up for what we know is right, true, and just. For the most part, my classes over the past few weeks have dealt with the fruits of the spirit in Galations 5 and how to apply this to your life, expecially by being kind to others, and dealing with issues in a gentle way. Last night, it hit me. These kids know what is right and what is wrong. They know not to curse or use God’s name in vain. They know not to have pre-marital sex. They know not to abuse their bodies with chemicals such as alcohol and/or cigarettes. They know the proper way to treat people. Sometimes they may not know why or even how to do these things. I think I have been missing the head of the nail. Instead of telling and teaching what is right and wrong, I think I should teach why things are right, and how to avoid temptation. I am openly asking for input, whether from a parent, minister, or teenager about paths to take. I am going to have to dig within myself, and find a reason to have a strong faith that I can then relay to these kids. I could share past personal experiences or read testimonials from somewhere else, and maybe that will click with them. If it doesn’t, where do I go from there?
I don’t see this as merely the next challenge, or part of a job description. I see this as a chance to make a difference, on behalf of the Lord.
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Daniel, I can relate to your situation and I wonder if you have ever heard of Earl Nightingale? He wrote the Strangest Secret over 50 years ago and I think that you might gain some insight in listening to the Strangest Secret.
Daniel, what you said about sharing past experiences is definitely a step in the right direction. Having been in the high school setting before I retired, I found that the best way to get kids to share or ask for help is let them know you are real. You have issues that you are dealing with or have had to deal with. Sharing with the students lets them feel safer opening up to you. Sometimes it does however give us more than we feel like we can handle. I personally used to feel like I had to solve all their problems. I had to get over. Just remember the only thing they need sometimes is for someone to listen and pray with them that they can work through it. My prayers are with you and I certainly see evidence in our congregation that God is working through you!