While vacationing this week I've been doing a lot of thinking as usual. It is peculiar to me that as Christians we say things that indicate our need for change - Jesus continually molds us into the kind of people he wants us to be; which makes it pretty clear that we are not to remain transfixed in the ideas and attitudes that currently mark us. The teachings of Christ are revolutionary. They force me into a corner where I must make a choice. Christ's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, for example, forces us to think in ways that are contrary to human nature. In other words, committing adultery is thought of in terms of a physical violation. But Jesus closed all the loops when he pointed out that sin begins in the thoughts; it begins in the mind. It is here where the roots grow deep and capture the heart. But this is not specifically what I have been thinking about this week. I am pondering about is how Christians will not heed logic and suggestions that go contrary to what they are comfortable with. After all, who wants to heed advice that makes us think differently about issues that have been done in a certain way all along. It is human nature to get comfortable and dismiss, in an offhanded way, revolutionary thinking and advice. Not that I am such a prophet but I do attempt to stir the Body into thinking more seriously about why we do what we do and considering thinking in alternative ways about doing the things we always have done. Maybe the church really is stuck in tradition and not on the things that the Spirit desires. Just a question...just a thought.
Youth group is one such road that the church has always gone down with the assumption that it's establishment, within the doors of the church, is a bullet proof necessity. But I would argue that this assessment has been accepted mainly on face value without seriously considering the reasons for not having it. Of course everything from this point onwards will stay consistent with the "controversial" nature by which I write, but I would remind those who would take offense with my words that these topics are meant only that people reconsider how best they might present the gospel to the world and more importantly as a Body to best equip ourselves to do battle in the world.
For me, anything that distracts from the best a warning flag is raised at full mast. What this means simply is that I cannot ever afford to be comfortable in the things I do for the Lord. Satisfied, yes. I am satisfied. But being satisfied implies, to me, that I am still moving. Satisfaction is a temporary thing if it moves to being comfortable. Being comfortable does not imply I am satisfied in any lasting way. So when I say that youth group can be a spiritual detriment to the youth who participate in it, I am communicating something that is new perhaps. Offensive perhaps. Something that others might dismiss offhandedly being communicated by some radical nut who has very little vision or understanding of the "benefits" of having a youth group. Perhaps. But this nut case has purposefully pulled his children out of youth group because of the bad stuff. Good things? Sure, but I can question that assessment based on my own experience. But there are those who will not hear what I say anyways no matter how logical and convincing my arguments. Why? Maybe because they make money leading the youth. It would be in their best interest, as far as job security is concerned, to defend why having a youth group is favorable. Best place for making friends? Best place to learn about the Bible? I doubt it on both counts. Amusing activities? Yes. But doesn't this distract from more important pursuits? Or are the amusing activities meant to persuade others to accept the gospel? These are contradictory reasons especially coming from reformed background. We believe in God's sovereignty and rest assure in our own salvation because of it. But I have always said that the church is for the benefit of God's children gathering together for mutual edification and encouragement. Frankly I believe some of the problem lies on the shoulders of parents who think that their children learn best under some amusing facade. Well, one reason could be because they have let others parent their children while they go do what they want to do. In my opinion, I do better at teaching my children than anyone in my educated church body. Why? It is not because I know more than anyone. On the contrary, I know the least. It is because my children will look to me for approval. They will model me not my pastor or the youth director. I have a special platform I will never sacrifice to any youth helper whose influence will fade away. But it is human nature, isn't it, to adopt negative habits over positive ones? So potentially, some leader or helper who has not learned to keep a tight reign on their tongue about certain things practiced in the home of their student, may do such damage that it takes years for the parents to reverse it. It was the best thing I can think of in removing my daughter from the youth group because of these negative factors undermining my efforts at instilling an identity founded on the person of Christ and not her peers. As a result of my effort, inspired by the Spirit of our Lord, she is mature beyond her age and has agreed with our logic as our son has done earlier.
I could go on here. But I would ask a question. Based on this evidence, small that it is, why will my arguments fall on deaf ears? Isn't spiritual maturity, by encouraging parents to lead their children, instead of "leaving the teaching to the experts", the point? Many may look at these incomplete thoughts and arguments as divisive. But I would also point out that I know of other churches, personally, that are family integrated in all that they do and who do not have an official youth group. These churches are raising healthier, maturer and wiser young people than what I see in mine by far. Something is wrong. I know what it is but parents will not want to hear it because it demands too much. Much too much than what they will be willing to give.
-Joe
2 comments:
Joe,
I really enjoy reading your blog. I don't always have the time to write but I do try and read it when I can. I have cut and paste some of your thoughts below and added my comments...
"my words that these topics are meant only that people reconsider how best they might present the gospel to the world and more importantly as a Body to best equip ourselves to do battle in the world"
Very good! I am in full agreement. The church has aften fallen down here and we as individuals have too.
"youth group can be a spiritual detriment to the youth who participate in it"
Agree, it can also train up and equip the Saints.
"Amusing activities? Yes. But doesn't this distract from more important pursuits?"
Sadly it is often true the amusement is more prominent than the Gospel and training in righeousness.
"I have always said that the church is for the benefit of God's children gathering together for mutual edification and encouragement"
Disagree, sort of..."through the Church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" Eph 3:10 The Church is all about God's glory...
"one reason could be because they have let others parent their children while they go do what they want to do"
"I do better at teaching my children than anyone in my educated church body"
"They will model me not my pastor or the youth director. I have a special platform I will never sacrifice to any youth helper whose influence will fade away"
"But it is human nature, isn't it, to adopt negative habits over positive ones? So potentially, some leader or helper who has not learned to keep a tight reign on their tongue about certain things practiced in the home of their student, may do such damage that it takes years for the parents to reverse it"
THe last four go together. WHile I agree with you for the most part I would suggest a few things to think about:
1. It's hard to make judgement calls on peoples motives, actions is different, but motives is a tough area to make definitive statements. All are sinful and tend to seek self first, including me, having said this maybe they aren't aware of the seriousness of the Scriptual mandate to disciple thier children, maybe they don't do it in the same manner as others. Either way, as a brother in Christ you are called to open the Scriptures with them and reason. We, as Christians are also submit to the authorities that God had put in place. Unless there is a clear command of Scripture violated we need to "come under" the leadership of the church.
2. I agree with your second point 100%. WHich scares me, because when I act in sinful ways they learn this. I must be willing to quickly repent and teach them this as well. I think others are also qualified and beneficial to teach them. I will always have the primary roll, but God uses many people and events to mold ud into His image.
3. The last 2 are very tightly woven together. Again, as God's chosen primary influencer you will have a huge impact (the biggest) on your children. This too can be scary. I hate when I see my sinful ways come out in my children. It's a good reminder of my dependance on the Lord. But again others do influence (good and bad) our children. God did not stop negative influences from impacting His people. He instead chose to teach them to seek Him in the midst of them. Sin will always corrupt, and we mst always be fighting it. But we have the Spirit which is conforming us to His image.
"These churches are raising healthier, maturer and wiser young people than what I see in mine by far"
I know you so this doesn't bother me as much as someone else saying it, but we need to becareful to not desire healthy, wise or mature children but primarly saved children.
We love and miss you guys greatly. Please say hello to everyone in your family for us.
Jay Brown
This is great Jay. I appreciate your comments. I appreciate the Ephesians 3:10 passage and of course agree with it. The church's mission is to spread the gospel to the world. But the gathering of the saints is for their strengthening in order to do this. Too many think that we must be sensitive to those who are "seeking". What this means is simply that those who are looking to chew the meat end up dissatisfied because they only have milk to drink. The church has failed in its mission in this case. Lastly, this quote you commented on: "These churches are raising healthier, maturer and wiser young people than what I see in mine by far" your comment is exactly why this is the case. Hopefully in raising our children in the Lord will translate into maturer, healthier and wiser adults. I'd like to comment further but I will admit that sometimes I get so perturbed that I tend to make across the board statements. You are right that many parents are ignorant to dangers they inadvertently subject their children to or they choose to filter out alternate voices suggesting a better way or they just are so busy thinking about an alternate choice is emotionally exhausting. The ones I get perturbed over are the ones who still choose to push ahead when they do know better but it is more convenient to do things as they have always done.
We are doing great though. Thanks for asking.
-Joe
Post a Comment