Made Perfectly Imperfect
Youth Ministry February 23rd, 2007Sometimes Youth Ministry is Frustrating and sometimes its amazing. I think God really does has a sense of humor. He really does know when to push my buttons and also gives me some reprieve right when I need it. The other night at our Youth Fellowship was one of those nights.
Lately, I’ve been feeling kinda down about church and working at a church. Things have been frustrating. We’ve been looking for a new pastor and I’m anxious about that. We have a growing Youth Ministry, which is a good thing, but with growth comes some growing pains. Lastly, I’m trying to start a buisness on the side and that is putting its strain on my sanity. Things have been hectic. Fun, Fun, Fun.
I really didn’t want to go to Youth Group that night and I wasn’t particularly jazzed about my lesson, but I went anyways. Things were going pretty good, I was on auto pilot and during the lesson I really went into auto pilot. We got talking about the Roman Road, specifically Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.”
I remember going on about how we are in desperate need of Love from the Savior. How we are all sinners, we’ve all failed, and no matter how hard we try we will never be able to earn our Salvation. It was at this point that one of the kids said something that will always stay with me…
Youth: “So, Jason, you’re saying that we are made to sin?”
Me: “Well, not exactly, but God did create us. He did give us all our desires and we inherited “Sin” from Adam and Eve.
Youth: “Ok, so God could’ve just created us without the capacity to sin. He could have, like, turned that off, right?”
Me: “Well, yeah, He could have…” (I’m not too sure on how to respond here)
Youth: “So, God made us Perfectly Imperfect. He knew we would sin and that we would need His Grace. He gave us a desire for Him, because He didn’t take away our desire to sin…”
At this point, I have no Idea what to say. All the other kids are shaking their heads, understanding his point. God made us Perfectly Imperfect. We are created with a desire to know Him because of our Imperfectness….That’s deep.
I know I need to keep thinking about that, but it still jars me. And at the same time it made me thankful of the time I have to spend with these kids. Now I go to church in anticipation for another such moment. I know it will come, right when I need it.
February 24th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Jason,
Boy do I know how you feel! I have been teaching 5th, 6th& 7th grade Sunday School, we always have two adults in each class. Sherry had been by co-leader but she was asked to go to 3rd & 4th to replace one of the leaders of that class. She is my better half and was able to pick up when I would get stumped (which seem to be every class). It amazes me at what these young people can come up with! My new co-leader is a young lady (she is my daughter’s age) and has saved me a number of times also. I do not remember being this sharp and abstract in my thinking as these young people are. I ask God before each class for wisdom and courage in what ever the young people are going to send my way each class! Of course when then get the point it is a great felling to see the Lord grow in them! You pray for me and I will keep praying for you and God will get us but though each class!
MI Charlie
February 26th, 2007 at 4:13 am
Charlie,
I’ve always equated youth ministry with playing golf. There’s always those little things about each that make you want to go back for more…That one shot in golf, or that one glimmer of understanding in teaching that make it so worth it….I’m praying for you as well brother!