My son, 6, called his little sister, 21 months, "dude!" I was surprised by this term of endearment he had chosen for his little sister. Especially since no one in our family uses this term. I am not exactly opposed to the term, it doesn't represent anything vulgar and isn't particularly offensive, however, I don't consider it a proper way of addressing parents, grandparents or adults as a term of respect. So, when I asked my son where he learned this endearment, I was even more surprised to learn that he had picked it up from his 60-something year old Sunday School Teacher!! Needless to say, it served for a good giggle from me!
Today I was reading a dear friend's blog and found a video that helped me clarify why I was surprised to hear such a term came from someone of that generation. I am going to include this video for your own viewing 'pleasure'. You will understand better once you view it:
Okay, honestly, can you imagine!!??!! Well, from what I understand, this was a video put together to surprise this particular church's Youth and set the tone for a weekend retreat they were having. It worked! (imagine that!) Not only did it work, it opened new doors for the youth and the senior adults to relate to one another. (imagine that!)
Now comes the point of my thoughts for today:
What will it take for our churches so imbedded in tradition to realize we need to meet people where they are and minister to people in today's society. Try to look at it this way; Are today's teenagers and young people going to honestly come looking for a church that sings all five verses of three hymns from the 1800's? Then, are they going to want to come back to that same church that asks for money by passing the offering plate in front of them and then are they really going to want to listen to a sermon from a pastor who doesn't touch on today's topics that teenagers and young people are dealing with today?
Okay - don't get me wrong - I realize these types of churches can have good intentions and yes, they may even be reaching people, but, are they reaching the young people and youth of today and then discipling them? The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of these types of churches are NOT.
If we find ourselves as one of these people who is deeply embedded in tradition. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord and ask the Lord what He wants us to do to reach the youth and young people of today! NO - do not waiver from the truth of God's Word when reaching these people! YES - Waiver from our traditions and let God work through us, even if it makes us uncomfortable, let God use us!
Verses for today:
Luke 2:14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Leviticus 19:32" 'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.
Titus 2:2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Titus 2:2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
1 Peter 2:17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 3:15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
Thought for today:
What if Jesus had come to earth in today's culture?
Song for today:
"Joy to the World/A Christmas Prayer"
By Nicholas Jonas
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