The Practice Field - repost

I think one of the most helpful things we can do for the next generation of leaders is to allow them to express their sense of what God is doing in their lives and to practice what they have learned from scripture.

I am finding that people, especially young people, are not interested in what you have to say until they are sure they have said- or will be able to say - what they want to say. It's a by-product of a generation that, for the most part as children of the Boomers, has been indulged or over-indulged.

I know this: God expects a lot from them. So much has been given (Luke 12:48).

In giving them a place to practice what they know, we provide an opportunity to succeed. A place where the principles that scripture is instilling in them get tested and pass, building faith and confidence in the character of God.

And practice isn't the same as observing. They have far too many opportunities to just be an observer. Practice means walking in the place where THEY are responsible for recognizing what God wants to do AT THAT MOMENT.

Dr. TL Osborn once told me that most of what we call the "anointing" comes from having experienced God's Presence in a similar way or circumstance. The more we see God move through us, the more sensitive we are to recognize what He is doing and what He wants to do next. That prepares us for expecting the miraculous on a regular basis. You know where He's going because you've been there before. That confidence comes from seeing Him move and looks like spiritual insight.

Are you in position to encourage a young person out of their comfort zone and into a place where they can learn to recognize how God moves - in and through them? You are in position to shape the next generation.

The Value of Submission

In considering fellowship, we understand that there are different types of relationships between members of the Body of Christ. My relationships with younger college-age folks are much different than with elders in the Body of Christ.

A specific level of fellowship is submission.

Peter urges Elders to:

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 1 Peter 5:2-4

Peter goes on to encourage the young to submit to this shepherding oversight.

And to the young, the writer of Hebrews says:

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17

And the community functions as designed - a family atmosphere with loving elders who have experience and wisdom that only comes from time in faithful service to the Lord, and those younger submitting to their care, not out of obligation, but willingly.

It is not a concrete pecking order, but a living expression of life in an ordered Kingdom with God as our King.

In submission we entreat the influence of those who have gone before us who, by reason of experience, are equipped to help us because they've been there.

Mutual submission is the overriding principle (Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3).

Enjoy and value submission. Recognize the worth of this Godly discipline.

The "Next Gen" You

I was listening to an interview on the radio today with the President of a major aeronautical university in our area. He was talking about the technological advances being made in aviation, specifically in regard to communication and management of airspace.

He used the expression "Next Gen" in relation to the upcoming generation of technological advancements. And he said something that caught my ear.

He said that the expected developments wouldn't happen suddenly, as if someone flicked a light switch, but would happen gradually over time.

Isn't that the way that God works with us? Sure, we have the "suddenlies" but, more often than not, we gradually develop into the "next gen" of ourselves as we integrate more of Him into more of us.

John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). It's a process.

One of my opt-repeated mantras is, "It's a marathon, not a sprint", and the truth is, we will get there if we keep pursuing Him.

There are seasons for launching out with fanfare and there are seasons for keeping the faith and staying the course. The challenge is knowing which to do when!

Thank God for: (1) the gentle command of His Holy Spirit, (2) the secure confirmation of His Word, and (3) the loving counsel of Godly friends.

As long as we are oriented towards Him, and alert to the signals from these 3 guides, we will experience the glorious Next Gen of us.


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