OUCH!!! AAH!!

It is very, very difficult for kids to live their lives in a way that is a witness to the gospel.  Recently in a Bible class for youth at a Christian Church they were presented with a question “If you are not afraid to stand up in a crowd of your peers and admit that you are a Christian please raise your hands. Only one of the group of dozens raised their hand. The good part of this response is that they were being honest.  The sad part is that they are afraid of persecution.

“ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:10-11.

From my observations, many youth today want to please God but are afraid of being mocked by other youth who are not committed to Christ. Everyone wants to be accepted by their peers, especially vulnerable  youth.  We as Christian adults can greatly influence this generation of kids by openly living, and sharing the gospel, with joy and confidence. Not repaying evil done to us but by rejoicing, openly , that we are counted among true followers of Christ. Our actions and acts of love and kindness are more valuable than a  hundred sermons.  We actually are evangelists by our open love for Jesus. “You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed an a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matt.5:13-16.

Once, at a meeting with parents who were aiding in preparing their children for a rite of initiation into the church as adults, I asked why the conversation did not include the importance of living the Gospel.  From that moment on, I was excluded from the planning. I was stunned by the secular approach to a wholly Christian event. Then I came to realize that many youth of today are not receiving Holy guidance from their parents. We can clearly see what great influence our witness can be for the good of our young people. We can, by example show them the way to evil living by hiding the light of Christ, or we and lead them to a life of victory in Christ, free of drugs, sexual activity outside of marriage,  hatred, stealing,  even killing.

The prophets of old are now enjoying, for all eternity of rewards promised by Jesus. This is a solemn promise by GOD. Let us not forsake our own rewards by HIDING OUR LIGHT.