|
As I left Chapel this past Wednesday, I was looking forward to my Junior High Boys small group meeting coming up next. The expectation of tasting chocolate chip pumpkin muffins was certainly a big factor. But I was also curious to hear what the boys thought about the chapel time. In particular, there was one nugget of truth I looked forward to sharing with them. As we got settled in, I opened up the floor for students to share their thoughts. Then a curious thing happened…
The very first student shared exactly what I wanted to share! I was blown away. Many of their comments in the past have been thoughtful, but usually I had to be the one to steer our conversation toward deeper waters. Within the topic context of hospitality, the student shared the teaching that impacted them the most: “Try to be interested, not just interesting.” I was so excited (and surprised) to hear that the student shared the same takeaway I had. I quickly jumped in to expand on the rich truth the statement contains. I shared how easy it was for me to try to dominate a conversation, wanting to share my thoughts and my opinions rather than listening to others. I shared how my own pride often prevents me from listening to others in love, choosing rather to try to promote my own popularity. You probably quickly recognize the ironic hypocrisy of the situation. I wish I had reached the same awareness as swiftly. Near the end of my conversation-dominated monologue, I finally admitted to myself that I was not showing hospitality to my group of Junior High boys. Rather than showing interest in them, asking more questions, and listening attentively, I had put myself first in that situation. This entire year, the school is focusing on all of the “One Another” exhortations found in Scripture. God’s Word provides plenty of specific pictures of how to love one another. What a wonderful investment in the developing character growth of our students, and apparently our staff leaders as well! My group of boys, when given the opportunity, shared so many ways they can serve and put others first in their home, the classroom, and in their neighborhood. Let’s work together to support these acts of selfless love toward one another, and even practice a bit more of it ourselves (if the shoe fits). I recently enjoyed a fun night game experience at an OSU football game with some family members. Experiencing our first victory of the year certainly helped! During halftime, we enjoyed some Qdoba and the view from the upper deck balcony. Pulling out a Sour Apple Charms Blow Pop from my pocket, I noticed one of the stadium workers giving me a bit more attention than I was comfortable with. Eventually, he walked over and commented on the “contraband” in my mouth, obviously not purchased from any stadium vendors. It took me a while to even understand what he was talking about!
Two questions we often subconsciously ask ourselves are “Do I feel safe?” and “Do I feel loved?” Though a silly illustration, my lollipop interaction oddly checked both of those boxes. This security personnel had clearly been trained on the expectations for the stadium environment, and he was eager to support them. He also seemed to understand the value of the fan experience, approaching me with a degree of understanding and relatability. He was friendly and non-threatening. If event personnel were going to care about my lollipop, I concluded they certainly had more important matters under control as well. In the classroom, the most effective teacher (and often the most admired) has clear expectations for their classroom. While perceived “rules” can frequently be viewed by students with distaste, expectations and accountability build trust. Students want teachers in control of their shared environment. Students want to expect to be treated well by others. And on some level, students also want teachers to protect them from their own poor judgment, shortcomings, and detrimental behavior. Fulfilling these two needs for our children is a high responsibility as parents…and also a challenging one. Establishing expectations and requiring accountability can be uncomfortable at times. I’m sure the stadium worker would have rather chatted with me about our backup quarterback instead of my sneaky lollipop. In the same way, no parent desires to be the “bad guy.” But the irony is that actively guiding our children is “great parenting”. Limiting freedoms in line with a child’s growing maturity provides not only safety but also delivers genuine love. Praise be to God that He has modeled this so well for us! Complete surrender to His authority can be uncomfortable at times. But where else can we go to receive eternal protection and divine love! I have distinct and special memories of visiting my grandparents in Yerrington, Nevada. I remember sleeping on the living room floor in their modest trailer, waking up to the Sons of the Pioneers on the record player (a Western singing group from the 30’s/40’s/50’s). I would share the very early morning hours with my Grandpa Bart, enjoying his time-tested breakfast of eggs and toast. Before the mid-day heat, Grandpa Bart would pull on his suspenders and drive me to the local park to play several games of tennis. My unskilled enthusiasm and his seasoned slowness were a fairly good match.
This week, we celebrated our annual Grandparents’ Day for our First-Grade students. Our campus was filled with special presentations, engaging classroom activities, and the aroma of gallons of coffee. In 2 Timothy 1:5, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy that his faith was passed down to him from his grandmother. Timothy not only received this gift of faith but also took ownership of it for himself. Paul describes Timothy’s faith as “sincere.” Our mission of discipleship desires to follow this general principle in many ways. The foundation of faith for many of our students often begins in the home, where it is passed down through the generations. His powerful redemption is also revealed in any life at any time of repentance, even in the absence of a long faith legacy. Our school’s passion and responsibility is to mold and challenge students’ faith so that they make it their own. We know an authentic and genuine faith independent of circumstances is the true mark of a faithful disciple. After one “best-of-6” tennis set, there was little left in the tank for my Grandpa Bart and me. Our reward was often a special stop at the corner market. Even today, when I drive by a tennis court, my mouth waters for a special treat. With lives surrendered to Christ, our "tank" never needs to be empty. He is our living water, and we never need to thirst again. Even better than a slushee at the store, He refills us daily with love, joy, peace, and eternal life. May each of us consider how God designed us to share our refreshing faith with those entrusted to us! Despite my Oregon “country” roots growing up, I entered my 40s having never owned a truck. Through careful planning and savings, my wife and I agreed on a used “old-school” model, almost as old as I am. After a few trips around town, I immediately realized my identity had changed. I was now a “truck guy!” I was treated differently. Even when I tried to explain my newbie status (I have a Prius in my driveway), no one seemed to care. I had joined the fraternity of truck owners.
A similar and more meaningful identity is assumed when we choose to follow Christ. We are called children of God, and so we are! Our old identity has passed away, and we are each a new creation in Christ. Regardless of how little we have “owned” our faith, or how poorly we understand the “mechanics” of our faith, we have immediate entrance in God’s growing Kingdom. Throughout the month of October, the theme of “fellowship with one another” will be explored according to God’s design. Our vertical relationship with God creates a deep horizontal connection with other believers through our common union with Jesus Christ. His commandments to love God and love others flow directly from being loved by God and by others. God’s purpose for fellowship is for us to continue to grow our faith and grow His Kingdom. As a rookie truck owner, I initially reached out to my newfound community of other truck enthusiasts. We shared common interests, and I learned a great deal from them. But over time, I let my own insecurities and distractions distance me from those contacts and conversations. Without their support, my aged engine fell into disrepair. My daily driver did not leave my driveway, and it is currently stuck at the mechanic’s shop. “If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7 Avoiding fellowship with God and with community can create an unhealthy darkness. But when we pursue Him and His design, His community surrounds us with so much support. Fellowship is a gift that comes from following Christ. It is also a muscle that requires regular exercise. I hope I can keep my truck running well through constant connection with truck guys smarter than me. I plan to keep my faith growing by investing in relationships that challenge me, correct me, and encourage me. Please pray that the fellowship of the CCS community grows closer to God’s design. May our children grow to value fellowship with other believers, guiding their faith with firm conviction into their next community! |
Adam Kronberger
|
RSS Feed
SUPPORT |
NETWORK |
QUICK LINKS |
|
