Time to shine

Time to shine.

Time to be in the spotlight.

Time to show what you've got.

Athletes and others often hear this expression when it's time to look their best. Whether it's the playoffs, an interview, or whatever the situation might be, there are times when people strive to do their best.

For Christian teenagers, this expression should take on a similar, but slightly different meaning this time of year.

Today I passed school buses on the way to the church building. I listened to students talk - some with excitement, others with disappointment - about the fact that school starts today. Except for a few private schools which started earlier, most Michigan schools start back the Tuesday after Labor Day.

Today is the day students walk the halls for the first time in a few months. They will see old friends they haven't seen most of the summer and they will make new friends. They will see familiar teachers and teachers they don't know yet. There will be some classes that are easy and others that are not.

But the question I want to consider is this: Will they shine?

I know this is not an easy question to answer or an easy call to live up to. Granted, I am not a teenager in today's world, but I know it is harder than it was even ten years ago. The stakes are higher, the pressures are greater, and the environment is more hostile.

This summer I have watched many of the students in our youth ministry grow spiritually. They have blossomed in their faith and learned a lot about themselves and the adventure of following Jesus.

But will they have the strength to keep going?

It can be so hard. They have class all day, hours of homework, friends who can pull them in various directions, after school activities, entertainment, and so much more. Then at some point they have to make room for God. Will there be much room left?

If you are a student, here is my challenge: Make time for God. Even if it means letting grades slide a little bit, spending less time with friends, cutting out an activity or two, or turning off the TV. While all of those things are important, can anyone honestly say they are more important than a relationship with God?

Let me add that this is not an excuse to get bad grades, blow off friends, or quit everything. It is about priorities. It is about giving 100% to everything you do. It is about making the tough decisions to let go of things that handicap your effectiveness in the Kingdom of God.

I will admit this is not easy. And it doesn't really get easier when you are an adult. But if we are willing to make the tough choices now, choices down the road become easier and following God becomes our lifestyle.

One word of advice to parents. You can't always force your children to make these decisions. They need to learn from their own mistakes. Our role as adults is to serve as mentors and provide ever-widening boundaries to help young adults grow and develop. None of us will ever get it all right, but let's be willing to avoid the two extremes of legalism and hands-off parenting. Somewhere in between is a beautiful dance where we patiently and steadily help students find their role in the Kingdom of God.

Let's dance the dance boldly and shine for the One who made us.

shine!
Jason