Last Friday was my last service as the youth Pastor, as I moved into the new phase (Read more about it here) I searched deep to see what I would share to my beloved group of young adults as my final words to them.
Here are seven thoughts I shared with them:
1. GO!
To recap the final words of Jesus. (Mark 16:15,16; Matthew 28:19)
a) Go Ye into the World – this world is your world. The farthest you can reach. Till the last person in your college or office. To that person in the other end of the city. Go, don’t be held back. Go, to the farthest your feet can carry with the news that set you free! [tweet this]
b) Preach the Gospel – there is still power in the pure gospel of Jesus to set the captives free! There is power in the cross. The blood of Jesus still washes away the sin of humanity! To see it in action, declare it, and let God do the rest.
c) Make Disciples – Don’t let them with just the good news, invest into them till they become that someone who would unconditionally obey God and make other disciples.
2. Be a Passionate Believer
Not a lukewarm one. We know how Jesus feels about a believer who is neither hot nor cold. God says He will spit them out. A believer who is neither in nor out is an irritation in the body of Christ. Someone who is cold hearted has a greater chance to be converted to be on fire for God than the one who thinks he is doing enough.
Romans 12:11 reminds us, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
From how you worship God, to how you serve the Lord, and to how you run from sin, do it full throttle. Never quit. Don’t ever stay down, get back up and run this race like a soldier. [tweet this]
3. Be an Accountable Christian
Sadly too many Christians today are Google christians. They think they know it all because they have been following some ministry or the other online. Pride gets into them to feel superior over the active body of Christ. Fellowship becomes something beneath them. Soon they rebel against leadership. Such a person is opening the door to the enemy to destroy his soul.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13: 17
4. Develop a Culture of Honour in Your Life
– Honour God with your energy, money, and time.
– Honour your parents in the Lord. Take care of them.
– Honour the elderly. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” Lev19:32
– Honour your leaders. Especially when they correct you.
– Honour each other. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10
5. Become a Servant of Jesus
A servant does not take offence. His Master’s wish is his command. A servant has no feelings of entitlement. He doesn’t care about positions. A slave serves unconditionally with no expectations of a reward.
“…But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20: 26-28
6. Overcome Every Dividing Spirit
There are many among us who unknowingly open themselves to divisive spirits. Fuelled by rebellious people that consider themselves superior over everyone else.
Titus 3:10 gives us a guidance of how to deal with such a person. “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.” Romans 16:17 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.”
When you have questions, be open to learn. When you find something you disagree, find out (in humility) why it is so, instead of going on a attack mode. Control your online tongue from lashing out at each other. If you truly care for your people, start by fasting and praying for them that Jesus might open their eyes. But stirring arguments and slander is not the way to go.
7. Develop an Intimate Relationship With the Holy Spirit
Last but not the least, the Holy Spirit is our helper. Don’t join the band wagon of those who try to logically understand things of God that must be received in the Spirit. For those that are concerned about manifestations, here’s 7 ways to handle the supernatural in the church.
It is impossible for us to walk like Jesus did on this earth without the “Helper”. He is the full force of God on earth. When we embrace the Holy Spirit as a little child we also embrace seeing the impossible happen among us. The closer we walk with the Holy Spirit the greater success we have as believers in this fallen world. [tweet this]
God bless you.