When Peggy and I began our youth ministry we discovered very quickly just how hard this job was. We loved those kids (now all grown adults!) and we poured our hearts into them as best we could. We are still very proud of the young men and women of God they have become. Those days are vivid in our memories and we cherish them deeply. And in our discussions with many of those former youth, they hold those days fondly, too.
If you asked any of them what they remember about our time together I am sure that they would mostly recall one phrase we told them whenever we went anywhere, did anything as a group and we left them with. It is a phrase that has stuck with our children, too, as they still hear it when they leave the house.
"Remember who you are and who you represent."
As our youth were dispersed throughout a theme park, a camp, a mall, a mission, they heard that phrase. As they left the youth room for our service work in the church they heard that phrase. As they left the building at the end of our time together they heard it. It was meant to remind them of their commitment to Christ. And they remembered.
Our daughter Sarah still remembers that phrase and I hear her say it every once in a while. Our kids are learning it and remembering who they are, children of God, redeemed of Christ, marked with baptism, living in grace.
I wish we'd all remember.
It was never a phrase that was meant to put undue pressure on anyone. It's not supposed to be a strict religious practice. Rather it's a lifestyle, a way like Jesus. The Christian life used to be called "the way" early on in the book of Acts. The "way" to live is to know Jesus' life, how he lived, and mimic that. "Remember who you are and who you represent," is a simple reminder to stick with it.
"Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." (Ephesians 5:17, The Message)
My kids went to a concert last night and are wearing shirts today as reminders of their favorite band, Superchic[k]. The shirts say simply, "We Live, We Love." The rest of the chorus goes like this,
We live, We love. We forgive and never give up.
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love
We are to do this every day. It's who we are. It's about who we live for.
Remember who you are and who you represent.
Peace ><>
pc
4 comments:
And "may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, OH LORD my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
At the end of the day I look back on me and what I have said and done and pray that my actions and words have been acceptable to Christ and if they weren't than I pray for guidance tomorrow in all I say and do...to be pleasing in His sight.
Thanks for letting me inspire a daily devotional thought! See you tomorrow! Love you daddy
who I am... Child of God, daughter, mom and friend.
Where I go, I am the footprint I leave behind,the words spoken & the love shared as God's child.
God's grace reminds me of Who I am. When I fail,Praise God for allowing me a Spirit conscience to let me feel the places I need to grow.
Remembering who we represent is hard work. Being in chuech or being in the community requires a consistant response from us. We must remember to live by Christ's example and not cave in to the pressures of society, particualrly the those who do not know Christ.
Saying age and wear out, this one will stand till the end of time, thanks for the reminder
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