The Main Thing

Whoa. It's been a while.

Amazing how time flies.

These past few months have continued to be a time of strengthening (nice word for I-survived-struggles-because-I-trusted-God-but-always-went-through-a-stubborn-period-where-I-didn't), and learning. I've had the great opportunity to serve as Youth Pastor for the summer, and now they are keeping me on staff until I leave. Isn't that such a gift?!

I'm so grateful that I've been able to take the time to apply everything I've been learning over the years through part-time work and volunteering. The most important lesson probably sounds like the most simple thing, which I love. I heard a speaker say once that as Christians we should "keep the main thing the plain thing". That main thing for me is ABIDING in God's love.

I've learned that the packaging on a gift may change, but what's inside is ALWAYS the most important thing. In a field that is constantly changing as generations values and attitudes ebb and flow, as Christians we must never cheapen the gospel by trying to make it more attractive to others. It doesn't matter if the gift is wrapped in brown paper or hidden in jars of clay, as long as the the gospel is there, the value of the gift will never change. That being said, we are called as youth workers to present the gift of the gospel in the most effective way possible with the resources given us, but without a deep love for Jesus, an ever-growing desire for kids to know Him, and a heart that abides in His wisdom, the gift will be nothing but a fruitless attempt to collect numbers, not change lives. And on those days when our resources are limited (which I've faced often as a part of a small church), we can have hope because of WHO our hope lies in. And others will know where the glory is due.

This summer, I've gotten to build relationships with kids I adore so much. My heart is heavy every time I think about leaving them, but I know I need to be obedient to God's call and trust that He will provide. I'm so thankful that He's put each of them in my life and used this time to challenge and prepare me for work with Young Life Military.

These a just a few thoughts and updates I wanted to share and record.

So as you continue throughout your day, meditate on the "main thing" and "the plain thing" which just so happens to be an amazing thing: God loves you and has set you free.

AMEN! :)