When we stop the charades, and ask teenagers honest questions about faith; they respond. So many of my colleagues are concerned with the latest X-Box/Light/Sound gimmicks, they've forgotten to just be real people of faith showing students what it really looks like. For example, I just got back from a wonderful retreat and one of the students wrote this to me on my Facebook:
I'm a junior (we talked earlier today about apologetics and stuff), and I just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated this week. I've spent the last several months doubting God and not caring if He is real because I figured I wanted to run my own life. I was cynical and I got caught up in lust (porn), hatred and resentment. I never wanted to commit to God again because church made it all about the religious stuff and the "warm fuzzies" you talked about. Anyway, running my life hasn't really worked, so this week, I decided to go all in, not to be religious, just to make my own decision and see how it went. I've been reading my Bible and just trying to be what I'm called to be. And you know what, I found something way better than the "warm-fuzzies." I got fulfillment. It's no longer about reading my Bible and going to church and doing my good deed of the week. It's about God, and living for Him, no matter what that might entail. I just wanted to let you know that I've recommitted to living for Him, and you were a huge factor in that. Thanks for coming to our school.
I promise, if we have the chance to present God as the Creator of All Things, (Gen.1) Interested in providing an Abundant Life (John 10:10) it works. When we're known more for what God is FOR rather than all He's against, teenagers see it clearly. We don't have to focus on the depravity of mankind; we all know that.
Drugs don't lead to joy.
Sex doesn't lead to joy.
Living for yourself doesn't lead to joy.
Honest Joy comes when we recognize where we came from, and how to interact with others in a humble way. (Matthew 22:37-40)
And it's not just for teens. The incredible thing is, it's for us all!!! Isn't that AWESOME!
Loving God and Loving Others continues to be our mantra here at KIVU. Come join us and experience REAL LIFE, Colorado Style.
