Wisdom from Our Youth

This Sunday, the youth shared three different scripture references with us.

Romans 12:3-5

³ Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. ⁴ We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. ⁵ In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other.

Jason compared Paul's words here to a sturdy offensive lineman playing the part of wide receiver. The gifts of strength that make for an effective lineman are not the gifts of speed that a wide receiver requires. As Christians, we each have gifts that are uniquely ours, and we are called to use these gifts together to make up the body of Christ.

James 1:5

⁵ But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.

In her children's sermon, Addie talked about how sometimes she has problems, but doesn't know how to solve them. This verse from James reminds her that she can't find all the answers she needs on her own - she needs to pray and to seek wisdom from God.

(Careful, though. Remember: God is NOT a cosmic vending machine!)

Matthew 28:18-20

¹⁸ Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Gabby shared a story about a friend who is an atheist. Gabby has had many conversations with her friend about faith, but Gabby often feels that her words are inadequate. But then she realized that she was relying too much on her own ability to help her friend understand. Gabby reminded us that we are called to be faithful in making disciples. But we are not the ones who change people's hearts. We should not be anxious about how effective "we" are: we should be faithful and let God work in people's lives.

The Monday Connection:

• What gifts has God given you for ministry? What are you involved in that isn't really a good fit for your gifts? What are you not doing that God has gifted you to do? Do you feel called to begin offering your gifts in this area of ministry?
• Consider one problem that you are facing that you cannot solve. Take your problem to God in prayer.
• Who do you know that does not have a relationship with God? Pray that God will show you how you can share your faith in this person's life. Pray that God will give the growth.