Check Your Bearings!
by Anand Menon
A good image of Christian leadership is walking with Christ and working with Christ in inviting young people to walk with us. But if you find the pressures of living and leading have pushed the longing for that intimacy with Christ to the bottom of the to-do list, then it's time for a change, time to attend to your own spiritual formation.
Begin by asking, "What does my heart really desire?" You may find yourself feeling empty or lost for direction. But emptiness and loss of direction can lead to openness to God's guidance. Trust that God will fill you. Put your life-attitudes, actions, and plans-in God's hands to be reshaped daily into the image of God.
Add to that discipline-the spiritual disciplines:
The heart of Christ
The discipline of prayer opens our hearts to speak and to listen to God. It is a way of seeking guidance and direction.
The mind of Christ
The disciplines of study and reflection upon God's Word give new ways of looking at things, of relating to others, and of deepening our understanding of our faith and its claim upon our life. Journaling is another discipline for reflection.
The work of Christ
The discipline of service allows us to share Christ's outreaching love with others in need-and to experience that love more fully ourselves.
The peace of Christ
The discipline of Sabbath in our lives is more than simply attending worship on Sunday. Sabbath can happen any day. It is an intentional act of seeking rest and renewal in God's presence.
In the midst of the endless busyness that affects both adults and our youth, taking on the disciplines may seem hard. But it is possible! Not only is it possible, but it is essential! Leadership without guidance is like a boat without wind in its sails. Ministry without focus is like a goal keeper trying to stop the ball in a penalty shootout
blindfolded! Youth evangelism without zest and zeal is like breaking an egg onto a cold stove. It won't sizzle
it won't crackle and worst of all
it won't be palatable or digestable!
Check your bearings! Youth need inspirational and not insipid leadership! When heaven is the destination and youth are your inclination, then Christ must become your inspiration!
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Copyright © Anand Menon/Holy Spirit Interactive. All rights reserved.
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