For about five weeks now, I've had the opportunity to work at Greek Country Camp in Disney, Oklahoma. This past week was our annual youth week, and, needless to say, God did some amazing things. There were about 160 energetic middle and high school students here who were determined to learn more about Jesus and are ready to take on the world.
Our speaker was Chad Thompson from Inola, and God has spoken through him and touched the lives of the students, sponsors, and even the staff. He emphasized the importance of doing God's will without hesitation, and I've decided to begin doing what I should've been consistently doing for about seven years now: sharing His truth, and leading others toward Him.
Friday morning, Chad spoke to us about what it's like to follow Christ, what it takes and what we are supposed to do. After hearing it, I realized this message is something that every Christian needs to hear.
1. Following Christ is not popular or easy.
Some people may tell you that living for Jesus is easy, and life will be a breeze. From my experience, it's been the hardest thing I've ever done. As I try to live my life for Him and strive to share the gospel, I start getting some weird looks and sometimes rejected, and I feel uncomfortable. Because of this, I decide to blend in rather than stand out, which is the complete opposite of what God wants us to do.
Jesus never promised us that the Christian life would be easy. In fact, He said it would be the hardest thing we'll ever do. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." You will face rejection and be made fun of, but do not be ashamed. Living for Him is the unpopular choice and very trying, but always keep in mind the great reward we'll receive in the end.
2. It doesn't take a special degree to do God's work.
Even Chad admitted that he'd never had any experience in biblical education or been to a seminary. However, The Lord spoke through him in a mighty way. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “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."
Two good friends of mine named Aspen Dinsmore and Autumn Kinkade started a weekly bible study in our high school this past year as freshmen, and students in our school heard about it every Thursday morning. Usually, the attendance numbers weren't great, but the fact that they took a bold step in order to spread the word of God in our school amazes me.
These two young ladies are such an inspiration to me and to those around them. This goes to show that you don't have to be anyone special to share the word of God. Never let anyone tell you you're "too young" or "inadequate" to share the gospel.
3. We must turn the world upside down.
As of right now, we can all agree that our world isn't in the greatest shape. Violence is running rampant and hatred is a widespread feeling towards different nationalities and religions. Our world is in dire need of repentance and needs to turn towards what God has in store for us. Christians, it is our job to partake in the role of leading those who are lost towards Him without hesitation and make disciples, and those disciples will begin to witness to others as well.
Imagine if everyone in your school heard about God and His message to us. How would your time there be different? From there, what about your community? If we were to join together in the name of God and begin to live for Him, there would be a big difference.
We have a mission, and it's time for us to do something. Make the unpopular decision no matter who you are, and turn the world upside down. Do not be ashamed.
