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Jesus has a fondness for Young People
God seeks young people today. He seeks young people with great hearts who can make room for Him in their lives. To spread the Good News it is necessary to be youthful within (to have youthful energy). Also, to be capable of letting oneself be called into question about your faith. Jesus has a fondness for young people, as the conversation with the rich young man clearly shows (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22). He totally respects your freedom but never tires of proposing loftier goals for your life. Like Jesus, Cornerstone looks at young people with immense affection. You must understand that the church wants to be close to you - in moments of joy, in tests and trials, and in loss or failure. We’re family!
Dear young people, let yourselves be involved in the “new life” that flows from the encounter you’ve had with Christ and you will be able to become apostles of His peace in your families, among your friends, within your schools or colleges, and in the various spheres in which you are active.
But what is it that makes people “young” in a spiritual sense? After the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Jesus concludes: “Every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Today, this perspective is especially provocative to the culture and sensitivity of contemporary man (and more so with young people). The humble person is perceived as someone who is not “cool” - someone who gives up easily, someone defeated, and someone who has nothing relevant to say to the world.
Instead, this is the primary way to live as a Christian. Not only because humility is a great human virtue but because, in the first place, it represents God’s own way of acting. It was the way chosen by Christ Himself, who “being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Therefore, this is today’s message for all you young people: “do not follow the way of selfishness but rather that of humility.” Go against the tide: do not listen to the persuasive voices that are peddling (on every side) models of life marked by arrogance and aggression; by oppression and success at any cost; by appearances; and by having possessions at the expense of having character. How many messages, which reach you (especially through the mass media), are targeting your age group! Therefore, be alert! Be critical! Be real!
Do not get caught up in the waves of deceit produced by this powerful, persuasive promotion machine. Do not be afraid to prefer the “alternative” routes marked out by true love and affection; by a modest and sound lifestyle; by sincere and pure emotional relationships; by honest commitment to studies and work; and by deep concern for the common good of all. Do not be afraid of being “different”, or being criticised for what you might be losing out on; or seemingly being out of fashion. The truth is, your peers and adults too, especially those who seem more distant from the mindset and values of Christianity, are crying out to see someone who dares to live according to the fullness of humility and meekness revealed by Jesus Christ.
Therefore, dear young at heart, the way of humility is not the way of renunciation but that of courage. It is not the result of a defeat but the result of a victory over selfishness. In following Christ, we must have the courage of humility; we must entrust ourselves humbly to God, because only in this way will we be able to become effective instruments in His hands - allowing Him to do great things in and through us. The Lord worked great miracles in the early church - through the saints! Yet I’m sure there are numerous young men and women present who belong to the ranks of the “anonymous” saints, but who are not anonymous to God. For to Him, every one of you is unique - with your own name and face fully recognisable.
However, following Christ, whether young or old, also requires a constant effort to make one’s own meaningful contribution to building a society in which all may enjoy the goodness of God. I know that as Christians many of you are already dedicated to witnessing for Jesus, and some are active as volunteers and working to promote the common good in our communities. But there is no doubt that one of the areas in which it seems urgent to take action is that of safeguarding children.
The generation after you is very important to God, because He always builds generationally. Therefore, you have a key role to play in the destiny of those children who are currently being exposed to the warped values of today’s modern society. If you choose to live according to God’s principles, you will lead the way by being an example to children desperately in need of direction. Everyone wants to belong to something they can be proud of, so why not make other young people proud of being Christian! For you are the Joshua generation!
Let’s end by reading Joshua 1:1-9… |
Chris Demetriou, 26/07/2009 |
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