The workers are few...

Earlier today I was thinking about the concept of youth group and how much I actually kind of dislike it. I know it sounds horrible, but it just seemed like something I didn't want to have any part in. As a Young Life leader, I began thinking about how much I prefer the concept of Young Life to that of a church youth group. Knowing this was a terrible thought to have, I began examining my mind to see what it was that I have against this institution that many of America's youth (including myself in the past) take so much part in. What I found was this:

The church youth group, as well as college groups such as Intervarsity and Campus Crusade, really is an extremely valuable tool. There are middle school and high school students all throughout America who believe Jesus Christ is who he says he was, have seen his power, and have (to use a cliche that, again for reasons I can't explain) rubs me the wrong way) have accepted Him into their hearts. These students, however, have so much growing to do. They need to be poured into by adults who have already been where they are and have grown closer to the Lord with time. There are people who are called by God to lead this young group of believers. They have been given a passion for helping young Christians who aren't exactly sure what the implications of their decision are become the thew mature Christ-followers they were meant to be.

A majority of my housemates fall into this category. Out of the eight of us, four are involved in Intervaristy and one is involved in Cru. They have been previously mentored by older Christians who helped them mature into the people they are now. Because of that, they want to do the same for others who are new to the faith. Furthermore, my housemate Jeremy has an ambition to be a Youth Minister after he graduates. He has spent time with middle schoolers who are trying to figure out what this whole "Christianity" thing is supposed to look like. I know his heart goes out to those kids. Jeremy, and others like him, are an asset to the Kingdom. Without someone here on earth guiding us by means of the Word, we would never grow.

But if I have all these good things to say about youth group, then why did I have negative feelings before toward them? It's as simple as this: I'm a moron. I allowed myself to forget that even Christians need to be led. I felt a call at the beginning of College to become a Young Life leader, as I have been given a passion for kids who do not know the Lord. I am a fool to think that the work I do is in any way more important than the work done by my brothers and sisters who work with believers. I forget that we are all a part of the same army. I can lead kids to Christ all day (hypothetically speaking), but if the kids I bring to Christ aren't being mentored in their faith, that faith is just going to die out. This is why I love our YL Leadership meetings so much. It is a time for me to be a pupil instead of a leader. It is a time where I can be poured into by someone who is strong in their faith, so that my strength can be renewed.

To use a modified biblical analogy, the harvest really is plentiful, and workers really are needed. However, let's assume that the "crop" is oil. Now, not all of the workers can do the same thing. Some people, like myself and my 2 other housemates, are responsible for acquiring the oil. However, others, like my 5 previously mentioned housemates, are needed for refining the oil. As followers of Christ, we are responsible for contributing to the Kingdom. However, it is crucial that we be in touch with the spirit to discern where we are most needed. Similarly, we must not forget that we all have the same goal in mind: serving God.