Cultivating a culture of faithfulness.

 

In many ways a culture of faithfulness directly opposes our culture of consumption. Instead of wanting the next best thing - we would relish in what we have. Instead of over emphasizing progression with programs and new teachings - we would come to love the Word of God in its simplicity and beauty. Instead of always focusing on growth in our churches - broken and hurt people would be noticed by those who aren't concerned with how many seats are filled.

I am just as much at fault, and I should acknowledge focusing on size, new teachings, and wanting new things isn't always the wrong way to think. Progression isn't the opposite of faithfulness. Let's consider the great commission (Matthew 28) it is surely a matter of progression. However, let us not forget that faithfulness is found in the few disciples who stayed when many couldn't handle the teachings of Jesus. (John 6)

I am often (all the time) asked what the size of our student ministry is - and often I believe it's asked just to receive a context of what I am dealing with. However at times I have sensed a value given to the amount of students I have. This to me opposes a culture of faithfulness - I too am prone to believe that the more students we have the more successful we will be. But rather than asking how many - why don't we begin to ask ourselves and to others, "what are you doing with what you have been given?" or "how is it with the souls of our youth in our church right now?"

My challenge to myself and to you is to examine our hearts (2 Corinthians 13:5) and see if our consumer way of thinking has penetrated what it means to be faithful. Let us not miss what He has given us by focusing on wanting something else. Let our language be focused on matters of depth and quality rather than width and quantity. Let's learn to give God the glory due to His name even when one has received him.

Thank you for reading,

Joseph Pohl

Youth pastor