When people think of February, they often think of Valentine’s Day. That is a wonderful holiday, but my first thought is actually a somewhat forgotten holiday. I usually think of Presidents’ Day. In my growing up years, this was the February holiday that I most looked forward to for two reasons. I felt a little awkward and embarrassed around girls so Valentine’s Day didn’t hold a lot of appeal. The big reason, however, was that we got a Monday off of school for Presidents’ Day.
At the time, the Eastern North Dakota District youth would always go to a hotel in Jamestown for a youth retreat over this weekend. The hotel was connected to a bowling alley and we would listen to speakers, go bowling, and eat pizza in our rooms late at night. It was great and a real encouragement in my Christian life. I still remember when Dr. Molstre (who is our current seminary dean) spoke to our group. Since I remembered him from his days of playing football at NDSU, I was excited to hear what he had to say. He talked about his time playing football, and how people still remember certain games or certain plays. Then he went on to say that their memories of these games many years later was always so surprising to him. He said that although he understood it, this isn’t the way that he wanted to be remembered. It was after all, only a game and not something of lasting value. What do you want as the priority in your life? What do you want to be remembered for? What has lasting value? Good reminders.
It is easy for adults to forget what it is like for our youth. They live in a world that wants to pull them away from the things of the Lord. We can easily think that this is no different than it is for us. We live in the same world, after all. I believe there is a difference, however. We have the advantage of experience on our side. We have seen life play out for our friends and family who have turned away from the Lord. They see some of their friends turning, but often the consequences follow later. We have learned from our weaknesses and past failures. Some of them have not yet seen the depth of wickedness that lives within their own heart, and so they are overconfident in their ability to withstand temptation when it invariably comes. We underestimate the learning that our past failures have brought us, and presume they should already know what they have not yet experienced. We have to a large extent decided who we are and where we stand on many of the big questions of life. They are deciding who they want to become even if they don’t articulate it.
In light of this, I am reminding myself (and I would encourage you) to invest in the lives of the young people around you. For some this is natural, but for most it probably isn’t. First, we can pray for them, as only God knows what they truly need. In addition to this, look for small ways to encourage them in the Lord. Tell them you are praying for them. Ask them about their life. Look for teachable moments in the course of your days to point them to Jesus. God can bless our meager efforts. And if you are worried or concerned, never forget that they don’t walk alone. The Holy Spirit guides them through this life. That is His job and He does it well.
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory,” Psalm 73:23-24
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
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