Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 26, 2015
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. John 21:18
Youthfulness is God’s gift to advance His Kingdom. The energy and ingenuity of the next generation advances our culture in particular and civilization in general. They fight wars. They fight hypocrisy. They fight injustice. They love community and volunteerism. Those in their 20s and 30s are able to challenge the status quo of those in their 40s and 50s. Youthful energy channeled into Christ’s big ideas is a spiritual weapon in the hands of the Holy Spirit. One of my favorite resources in understanding the next generation is Growing Leaders.
Jesus uses the lifespan of Peter to illustrate this progression from being young to becoming old. Peter would grow from being impetuous to prayerful. From rash to deliberate. From self-willed to God’s will. From self-reliant to Spirit reliant. From denial to boldness. Peter learned to die to himself before he had the privilege to die for Christ. He took up his cross before he was martyred on a cross. Peter gave his life for God. He channeled his youthful energy into eternal outcomes.
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Are you an agent of change for Almighty God? Are you committed to building Christ’s kingdom and not your own? If you are in a youthful season of life look for ways to creatively love Christ. Perhaps you serve on the mission field and supplement your income by virtually outsourcing your skills back to your country. Take a class like Perspectives to educate yourself on missions. The Lord prepares the called and calls the prepared. Pray and look around you for a need like caring for those who feel abandoned in a nursing home. Use your age to serve the aged.
Take a spiritual gifts assessment. Know how your Maker has made you, so you can make Christ known in your community. When you serve out of your giftedness you experience God’s pleasure. When skilled in the Lord’s work you are energized in your service. If you are an extrovert, people empower you. If you are an introvert, you gain strength in solitude. Or you may be a hybrid of both. You require a variety of environments to excel. Don’t look back and regret wasting a decade on decadence. Set high goals with God. Let Jesus direct your steps into old age.
“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds” (Psalm 71:17).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use youthful praise and worship to advance Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:55-58; Psalm 119:9-10; Proverbs 20:29; 1 Timothy 4:12
Post/Tweet this today: The Lord prepares the called and calls the prepared. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 7 minute video- Passion/Crowder: Here’s My Heart
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