I just talked to a young man last night that I care for deeply. I have known him for a few years and have seen God do awesome things in his life. Relieving deep anger, giving him victory over many of the things that hold most young men down and calling him to ministry. He always has questions for me when we talk because he has an intense desire to know God and His Word. He is a college student and is facing countless persecutions because of his faith in Christ from friends, co-workers, classmates and teachers. Last night as I answered some of his questions I got the impression that I was doing more harm than good. Walking through the cereal section grabbing boxes of smart start and talking to him I realized that I was loading ammunition into a dangerous gun. You see, it is so easy when ministering to students to give them all the "good points", "catch phrases" and the "nail in the coffin arguments" so that they can go out into the world and be "Right". Win the arguments, display their superiority over those who don't believe the same thing. I was reminded as I balanced the phone on my shoulder while pushing my squeaky Kroger cart and talking to one of my favorite people in the world, what my role is in his life. It isn't to teach them how to win the arguments with the world or be debate with his professors. I am called to remind him of the love and mercy of Jesus, to build up the Body of Christ and to equip young people like him to ministry. To encourage people to be restored back to the joy of their salvation (Psalm 51:12) and to be prepared......not to win an argument, but to serve and consider other's better than themselves (Phil 2:3). My calling, your calling is not to build people up so they can dominate darkness. It is to continue to redirect them to the breath of God (IITim 3:16) so that the flame is kindled and ignites a fire inside of them that rages and brings light to those in the darkness around them.
In my reading today Jesus saw seventy return back to him amazed at the authority that had been given to them through Christ. They had the ability to cast out demons, to heal, to literally be invincible against the enemy. But as they rejoiced Jesus reminded them that the true origin of their joy should be in the salvation of their souls...not the authority or power that He gave them.
Lord help me remember as I serve you today to serve out of love and gratefulness for saving and redeeming me and not be distracted with gifts, abilities or being right.....
Let those I serve be built up to serve and love the people of this world.......not be good at arguing with them.
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