Youth Worker BOOST: Fault Finders
ym360 knows youth workers. We know what an incredibly rewarding, yet incredibly challenging job youth ministry can be. There are days when your spirits are sky-high, and there are days when you could use a bit of a “pick me up” from God’s Word . . .
That’s why we’re happy to offer Youth Worker Boost, one of the many valuable resources on the ym360 Blog. Boost is a short, weekly piece of encouragement designed to, well, “boost” your spirits and encourage you as you minister to students.
We consider it yet another great opportunity to serve you and your ministry.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”–Ephesians 4:1-2
I was driving down a road in our town the other day and a driver on a side street pulled their car right out in front of me. Of course I had to hit the brakes to avoid a wreck. I was so mad at the obvious lack of consideration and courtesy by the other driver.
Then it happened.
Later that week I accidentally pulled out in front of another car and guess what? I wanted to receive a lot more grace and mercy than I gave in the same situation earlier in the week.
In Ephesians 4:1-2, Paul takes a moment to give a bit of spiritual character adjustment in his letter to the church at Ephesus. And of course, this speaks to us today, as well. When you find yourself practicing “fault finding,” remember that you’re called by God to take on the character of Christ in all situations. When someone wrongs you–whether it’s your senior pastor or another staff member, a student, or a student’s parent–be humble in spirit, gentle and patient in your actions. Then give them the same grace you would want to receive.
Remember, your capacity to forgive is linked to your ability to love others with God’s love.
Our prayer for you:
We pray that today and moving forward, we’ll all be reminded of Paul’s encouragement to live a sacrificial, humble life worthy of the call of Christ! And that we would all listen to the Holy Spirit as He empowers us to do so.
Richard Parker has been a student minister for the past 33 years, serving at First Baptist Church in Russellville, AL for the past 23. He’s written a three volume set of Character Education curriculum for schools, has written “Character,” a year long devotional book for students, and writes Youth Worker BOOST, a weekly devotion for youthministry360.com. Richard speaks in schools as well as at various church and civic conferences.
Encouraged by today’s Youth Worker Boost? Don’t keep it a secret! Pass it along to a fellow youth worker or your adult volunteers. Share the love!
Look for a new Youth Worker Boost each Wednesday on the ym360 Blog.
Last Week’s BOOST: Presence
Next Week’s BOOST:
Get more BOOST articles HERE!
