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When I taught Bible classes at the Junior High and High School levels, one of my favorite classroom assignments was called the "Media Fast Challenge." Students were required to document all of the media they consumed for a week. They were encouraged to reduce all digital media activity to Christian music only.
For many students the assignment was a difficult one. Through intentional or unintentional choices, strong unhealthy habits had been formed. Especially in today's climate, this "challenge" is likely even more difficult. I remember my first "Media Fast Challenge" in 2000. The first week was tough. I changed all my radio presets to various Christian music stations. I had to identify other leisure activities in the evening other than watching TV. Who knew reading and conversation could be so much fun? As that first week came to an end, I decided to push it another week. And then another week. Soon the TV was put away in the closet. Weeks became months. I experienced firsthand the adage "Garbage in, Garbage out." With my heart and mind starved of worldly pop culture, my attitudes and words reflected my other daily pursuits. My time with God...with my family...with enjoying and studying God's creation. I eventually broke my record media fast around mid-March. The college basketball March Madness tournament had just begun, and I was desperate to enjoy the crazy competitions and update my bracket. I dusted off the TV, pulled up the antennas, twisted some aluminum foil on the tips for better reception, and we were in business! More and more I reflect on that experience and attempt to maintain balance in my life with regard to overall media consumption. Screen time limits, listening and viewing guidance, and other healthy activities are all helpful strategies. If anyone wants to determine if unhealthy habits have crept into their life, simply try a week-long "Media Fast Challenge." The difficulty and distaste of the experience can be a great barometer of where the things of this world rank in the priorities of our lives. But start early, because March Madness will be here before you know it! When I was in 8th Grade I ran for Class President. I was the new kid in school and thought I could ride my recent wave of popularity. Taking cues from my peers, I went all in to try to garner the approval of my classmates. Despite my clever but naive campaign, I was soundly defeated, coming in last place. It was a bit of a shock to my system. My very identity was shaken. Some of the things that others had said to me during the campaign and after the election were hurtful and unkind.
Fortunately, I allowed spiritual mentors and God's Word to continue to inform my thinking over the next few years. During my Junior year of high school, I ran for Student Body President. But this campaign was much different. Something had changed. No longer seeking approval primarily from outside sources, the center of my identity was now found in Christ. Now only that, I knew that Christ was living inside of me. Resilience is the quality of being able to adapt to stressful life changes and "bounce back" from hardship. In many situations, it is the ability to not get upset when people are mean with their words. It is foolish to get upset with people when they are mean with their words. Their words have no power unless we give them power. When young people begin to take responsibility for their own feelings, they experience the freedom found in Christ. Getting upset over the words that others use gives them power over their emotions. The power to make them upset and even angry. Treating others the way we want to be treated comes from a resilient identity. An identity that understands our value comes from being made in God's image, redeemed by his sacrifice, and called for good works through His power. Jesus who lives inside of us is greater than anything that is in this world. But we tend to limit His greatness when we allow ourselves to believe the opposite. We cannot control the words of others or many of our circumstances. But we can control how we think about those words and how we respond to those circumstances. The outcome of my High school Student Body President campaign was fortunately much different than my campaign in middle school. But regardless of the outcome, the greater victory came from my growth as a disciple. Hopefully, others were encouraged and drawn to that transformation as well. While I still struggle at times, I have learned the power of words. I have learned which words and from which sources should be granted power in my life, and which words my thoughts should disregard. I also learned it's not wise to promise you will get rid of all homework in your campaign speech... |
Adam Kronberger
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