Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Youth is to be with the creator.
Let us fix our
eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..
This passage is
a particular relevance for youth. Our youths have amazing opportunity with full
of hope and boundless possibilities. But this is also a time where some youth
are full of worry and fear; they may believe that their future is not so
bright. Regardless of how one perceives their future, it is also evident that
in youth we find an ideal window of time to begin to shape who you are. Here in
Hebrews chapter 12 are some kernels of truth that are relevant for youths.
First, and importantly, God is letting us know, from the beginning, that we are
not alone in this race of life that He has set before us. In fact, we have had
many before us as models for the Christian race and we have Jesus ahead of us.
We are never alone.
Second, the
Greek word for “Race (or competition)” is Agon, from which we get the word agony.
A race, particularly a very long one, is agony. It is not meant to be easy.
Knowing this is important—don’t expect things to be quick and without effort.
Third, as in any race- you want to shed off everything that may prevent you
from running well. In the context of our Christian race, this may be
anything—habits, behaviors, relationships, ideas, etc. What keeps you
from running the race well? Fourth, let’s persevere in the
race. Perseverance is continued effort to do or achieve something despite
difficulties, failure, or opposition. God is letting us know that we will
in fact have difficulties; there will be times where we fail, BUT, we must
continue our efforts. We must persevere.
Finally, let us
accept discipline. No one would ever question the appropriateness (and the
need) for parents to discipline their children. Similarly, a great friend is
one who tries to find ways to further perfect in their friend important
qualities and behaviors. God, who loves us more than we can ever imagine, wants
to mold, shape and refine us. All of these efforts only come to fruition
when a person accepts discipline. Many have come before us who have
(successfully) run this race and we have Jesus who stands before us at the
finish line. We should expect it to be difficult, so be prepared, shedding
anything that gets in the way and accepting discipline that is born from love.
Prayer: God we pray for the wisdom to identify what is holding us back
from running this Christian race, the courage to shed those things that hinder
us, the perseverance to work through all the struggles that lay ahead, and the
ability to accept discipline, no matter how difficult it may feel.
Thought
for the day: Youths are runners
in the Christian race.
Dr. Anil Chacko, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, NY.
Theme of the week - Youth: a time to
be with the Creator