Don't miss the call

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the following: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
We have been created in the image of God to reflect the glory and character of God into a world covered by darkness. Christianity is not a private thing to only be practiced at church. This is a lifestyle. It is a way of living. That is why the church was called “The Way” in the first century. It was not something people did. It was who they are.
Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth as well as his “sons in the faith,” Timothy and Titus:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)
We are not Christians solely and primarily for our own benefit. We are called to be a part of a larger community where we seek to live as Christ-followers in every aspect of our lives.
One of the most troubling trends I have seen in my decade or so of youth ministry is the way that older Christian teens seem to neglect their call to mature in their faith at a time when they are positioned to have significant impact.
Whether it’s the example they set for their peers or the way that younger teens and children look up to them, older teenagers have power and influence that they often fail to realize. This is a great opportunity not only to grow as individuals; it is a great time to contribute to the larger Christian community.
My prayer is that instead of buying into the lie where culture teaches older teens to become more self-absorbed, Christian teenagers would hear the call and live a life where they are the light that shines in the midst of a dark world.

shine!
Jason