It was the summer of 1986. I remember it well. That was when I responded to God's call to serve Him in full time ministry. I was only 16 years old then, about to enter my junior year in high school, but I knew then as I do now that there wasn't anything else that I could do with my life. I tried "regular jobs" but none of them ever satisfied. My passion was to serve students and that was the very thing God was leading me to do.
Just recently I enjoyed two in depth conversations with friends in the ministry, both of whom are involved in student ministry. One of them carries the burden of reaching out to students who have no clue who Jesus is and his passion is to walk with them every step of the way. The other minister I spoke with pulls alongside hurting students and their families as their counselor, holding their hands (literally and figuratively) as they wrestle with issues that many often sweep under the table. Both of them expressed to me very clearly that this is what they are passionate about most in their lives. Loving students and leading them to the truth of Christ is what absolutely compels them.
The apostle John felt the same way about his call to the ministry that God had for him: "I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4) John penned these words as a reminder of why he was serving in God's kingdom. His words were in reference to his service to those in God's church, the children of God that were under his care. That's being passionate about ministry. It's why he did what he did.
As a parent, I take no greater joy than seeing my children grow and mature. There are plenty of growing pains and victories along the way - learning to walk and potty train, becoming independent, reading and writing, making good decisions - but in the end it as all worth it. My greatest satisfaction thus far has been watching my two oldest make decisions for Christ. I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
As a leader of students, I take no greater joy than seeing the students I serve grow and mature in their faith. It's a challenge to pull alongside students today as they struggle with issues and distractions that are unique to their generation. But I find that they are hungry for truth; they don't want their questions to be waved off with pat answers. Students want to dig and wrestle with issues and they long to know deeper meaning. My passion is to lead students to grow in truth and equip them on their journey with Christ. This is why I do what I do. What do you desire most to do for God?
No comments:
Post a Comment