Worth Watching!

I had a great week working with the teens at Delano Bay Christian Camp’s STS (senior teen session) again this past week. This year marked the twelfth year I have been invited to be staff for this age group. Though I am there as a counselor and teacher, there is much I get back from these teens who come together from various youth groups and I appreciate them allowing me to share in their life and to experience their acceptance in spite of the span of years between us. Together we make up the body of Christ and have a great work in which to share. The benefits of the relationship go both ways.

Having come home Saturday afternoon worn out but filled up by the week’s activities and spiritual focuses, one of the young teens in our congregation almost brought tears to my eyes as we were beginning our Sunday morning class discussion. Looking across the table at me she stated she wanted to become like me. To know there is something in our life others would like to imitate can be very encouraging. However, it can also be A VERY SOBERING THOUGHT (and I think should be) to become aware of others watching our life and considering following our EXAMPLE. The reality is we are ALL EXAMPLES whether that be for bad or good. The thing that will aid most in living to be a worthy EXAMPLE -- even though it is our own individual life the view may be toward -- is that we live to direct the focus HIGHER THAN MERELY OURSELVES.

Writing to the church at Corinth Paul urged…
“Be imitators of me, AS I AM OF CHRIST.” ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)
“And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.” (New Living Translation)

The only way we can continue to live lives worth watching is to keep our eyes on the EXAMPLE OF CHRIST and continuing to walk after HIS EXAMPLE. Though we ought to live EXEMPLARY lives, the truth is there is still the need for a BETTER EXAMPLE than you or me. That is why we must be honest about our own struggles while helping others see JESUS as the ULTIMATE EXAMPLE to be followed. We should develop some real seriousness with regard to this because of the goal that motivated Paul in his ministry.

Backing up to the last three verses of the previous chapter we read…
“(31) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD. (32) Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, (33) just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, NOT SEEKING MY OWN ADVANTAGE, BUT THAT OF MANY, THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 ESV)

Yes, souls are at stake. The manner in which we choose to live may not only impact our own soul’s destiny, but the destiny of those who choose to look to our life as an EXAMPLE to follow. Eyes are watching. The potential is there for others to be influenced. Is Christ being seen? Let us live so that the essence of our Lord remains the standard for comparison.

Have a great day LIVING TO LIFT EYES TO JESUS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Example