Short quiz… what do the following mean?
1. CBB
2. W00t
3. LMS
4. Defo
5. Newb / Noob
(Answers can be found somewhere in this week’s bulletin.)
If you understood all of the above without having to take a peek at the answers, then you are either younger than 30 or you are up to date with web and textspeak!
“The Internet changes everything. Period.” Josh McDowell proclaimed those words at a recent seminar and emphasized that youths today see the world in a very different light and their behaviour reflects the changing times.
For one, youths today are EVEN MORE attuned to instant gratification than before. Everything is evaluated immediately and their assessment is often based on how it affects them now or in a short period of time. Secondly, they are faced with information overload. A large part of their reality includes technology and information. The toughest question they face on an hourly basis is: which information is valuable, important and demands my attention and which isn’t?
A passage of Scripture that is highly poignant for all of us, adults and youths alike, is Hebrews 12:1-2:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (ESV)
- “A great cloud of witnesses” – Dear church, our youths need more than ever, adults who are willing to be the great witnesses of the Lord for them. Amidst a tsunami of influences and world views, adult mentors can become that steadfast presence with whom they can pour their hearts and minds to. They need adults who are willing to talk WITH them and not TO them. It’s not always information of how to live that is needed… they need models of faithful men and women who are willing to share their lives with them, and point them to Jesus.
- “Run with endurance” – The Christian race is not a sprint, it is a marathon. My dear youths, this race requires an endurance in keeping with things that are contrary to what society believes and practices. Being ridiculed for one’s faith is guaranteed, and your long-suffering and perseverance is what God desires. We have to learn to live in the light of eternity, not in the realm of the instant.
- “Looking to Jesus” – Lastly, one’s personal knowledge and relationship with Christ is the one firm foundation that will last till eternity. As the author and perfecter of our faith, this knowledge and relationship with Him is the only thing that will help to stem the tide in a world that is growing in immorality. If our spiritual foundation is formed on something other than the bedrock of Christ’s Word, there is little hope for our future.
So church, we need to respond to the challenge we have today – will you join us to invest in the spiritual lives of our youth?
By Adrian Ow, Pastoral Staff (YCKC Bulletin 6&7 July 2013)