One of the phrases that God has been speaking to me about lately is this concept from the Book of Hope, USA. What a powerful thought. And, I want to use it in my continuing series on The Teen Decade. In just a few months we are going to be entering the Teen Decade. It only happens once each century. And, the next seven years are going to require a greater intentional ministry to the young people of America.
One of the needed traits of youth workers in our generation is to understand their brokenness. I have received hundreds of letters and emails from students about the kind of things they are dealing with today. BROKEN homes, BROKEN relationships, BROKEN dreams, BROKEN promises, and BROKEN hearts. The palace they live in has been infested by fallenness. Sin.
Today, because their lives and their world are so messed up, young people try to put on pretty. They try to put on peace. They try to put on value. But, you cannot put paint or band-aids over rust and cancer. The garden that our young people think they live in has been over-run with weeds and unwanted pests. The castle that our young people think they are living in is really cracked at its foundation.
Amos 9.11 says, "In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be..."
Proverbs 24.30-31, "I went past the field of the lazy man, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgement..., and its wall was broken down."
Proverbs 25.28 says, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."
Two traits to help you reach young people in the coming Teen Decade:
First, see past the palace. The facade. Hidden in the secret place beyond the make-up and the labels is a broken young man and young lady. Look deeper and love it. Sure, there are hurts, rebellion, lies, fear, and materialism. But, do you see the healing, obedience, truthfulness, courage, and sacrifice?
Secondly, love them. Get involved with things they like. Research their music, movies, peers, language, and inner longings. Ask questions. Try and see through the lens of your customer. The customer called 'adolescent'.
Only a real relationship with God is going to heal them and put their castle back together. Only a real relationship with God can clean out their palace and bring them true fulfillment. Show them Christ. He is The Great Builder.
One of the needed traits of youth workers in our generation is to understand their brokenness. I have received hundreds of letters and emails from students about the kind of things they are dealing with today. BROKEN homes, BROKEN relationships, BROKEN dreams, BROKEN promises, and BROKEN hearts. The palace they live in has been infested by fallenness. Sin.
Today, because their lives and their world are so messed up, young people try to put on pretty. They try to put on peace. They try to put on value. But, you cannot put paint or band-aids over rust and cancer. The garden that our young people think they live in has been over-run with weeds and unwanted pests. The castle that our young people think they are living in is really cracked at its foundation.
Amos 9.11 says, "In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be..."
Proverbs 24.30-31, "I went past the field of the lazy man, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgement..., and its wall was broken down."
Two traits to help you reach young people in the coming Teen Decade:
First, see past the palace. The facade. Hidden in the secret place beyond the make-up and the labels is a broken young man and young lady. Look deeper and love it. Sure, there are hurts, rebellion, lies, fear, and materialism. But, do you see the healing, obedience, truthfulness, courage, and sacrifice?
Secondly, love them. Get involved with things they like. Research their music, movies, peers, language, and inner longings. Ask questions. Try and see through the lens of your customer. The customer called 'adolescent'.
Only a real relationship with God is going to heal them and put their castle back together. Only a real relationship with God can clean out their palace and bring them true fulfillment. Show them Christ. He is The Great Builder.
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