When I met Christians in my youth, two things immediately impressed me: Firstly, they wanted me to do well, and secondly, they looked to the future with optimism. It remains a powerful scene to behold to this day.
Your view of the future says everything about your present.
The last thing young people want to think about is the brevity of life. Life is to be an experience, not a setup for sorrow and regret. They look to role models that have made-it, not potential has-beens.
The apostle Paul looked to the needs of the church as a father looks to the needs of his children. Never a burden, but ever an investment into their spiritual success (2Cor.12:14). He wanted them to do well. To live lives full of the blessings of discipleship.
Old Christians are an invaluable resource in the church. Longstanding faith produces stability and know-how; life-experiences vital for success. But if it is always couched in tales of woe and warning, it gets old in a hurry. I understand that keeping a bright outlook can get tough. Life is work and work takes time. Before you know it, those years invested in life have taken…well, years.
It is time to look to the hopes and dreams of the young. Not necessarily what they want, but to the things that make for a life worth having. The dreams of children and teenagers may not be workable, but the spirit that drives them to dream doesn’t have to have a use-by date—keep it going!
Looking to the future with a heart of wonder should be considered a Biblical imperative! For it is unto an infinitely loving God that we offer praise and thanks for His mighty works. Daily we are a part of those mighty acts. And daily He gives us all we need for life and godliness. Enjoy!
“Lord, bless us with the eyes of a child. To ever see You in the future, because You make all things good. In Jesus name, Amen.”
John Staiger
Previous
Perspectives#2. “Religion.”
0 Comments