When I was a teenager the phrase “Left Behind” was a fearful reference to those outside the church. Today, many would see it more reflective of those of us within it. This week the “church bartender” commented how friends have left church staffs so they could do real ministry. These stories are becoming common place, and hard to hear. To encourage us here’s a thought provoking quote from Dick Cavett,
“It’s a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn’t want to hear”.
That’s why I need your help sorting through a rebellious pastor’s kid story I heard last night. This younger generation seems to be trying to tell us something they may not fully understand and we may not fully want to hear.
The mid-twenties son was a tall, good looking, bright young man. The seemingly model parents cared deeply and had led him to the Lord at a young age. Yet, they’d been saddened and humbled by his bar hopping, womanizing, live in girlfriend ways the last few years. Rarely would he come by church or reflect the spirit’s work in his heart. What is he trying to tell us and what might we not want to hear?
His mid-fifties parents recently heard of a troubled 13 year old boy who’s mother was incarcerated. The boy needed serious counseling, and a loving home. They’ve been praying about taking him into their home and even becoming his legal guardian. A pretty big risk, we’d all agree. When the wayward son heard about the boy he quickly engaged. He was passionate about the family”s responsibility to take it on. Yes the family, including him. He committed to healthier priorities which would allow him to become a significant part of the effort. He just couldn’t let it go.
And once again, what’s the message here? What are these young people reaching for and what are they intentionally leaving behind?
once again it just seems like another example of a young person desiring to do something that makes a bigger impact than a “normal life”. I think the fact that he was so ready to jump aboard with his parents in this, indicates that he must see something so very attractive in their desire to step out of their comfort zones and do something difficult. I think like I’ve said before, this generation wants to be called to something difficult…something greater than themselves.
I sense that in myself…even as I watch the Olympics and see these men and women doing things that are almost super-human (and granted, it’s not even things that are going to last…the records will be broken), it makes me want to do something in my life that is significant to someone.
I guess there can be a bit of a problem though, when we don’t see the significance in the “normal” life as well. It seems like we sometimes are waiting for that significant event or calling to fall in our laps when God may be calling us to become significant where we are by stepping out into the uncomfortable places in our present surroundings. Even just the small things like speaking truth to someone who may only want to hear the soft words…being willing to be vulnerable and share where God is having to change us…being willing to associate with the unnoticed and seek relationships with those who seemingly would never elevate our social status in any way. (I’m speaking to myself on these things because they are the ways I feel God wants me to step out and so often it seems too difficult…and yet I think I’m ready for the “difficult and significant” tasks)
Am I even on the same wave length as your post here?!? Maybe i”m just off on a tangent and you’d rather like to see me just chase this little tangent over the hill like a bunny.
i’ll stop writing…it’s late and i’m not making a lot of sense.
Rebekah,
Thanks for jumping in. I always deeply appreciate your passion and insight.
You never lose me. In fact, your “open mind” ramblings are some of your best. Your thoughts about making the simple things as important as the big things is valuable. Yes, it does seem to begin and end with selfless love for our neighbor. If we miss that everything else is plastic and hallow.
Wise insight…thanks again.