Monday, September 7, 2009

Labor Day

To all of you who serve in youth ministry, youth pastors, full-time, part-time, bi-vocational, and most importantly, Volunteers (let's hear it for the volunteers!):

1 Corinthians 15:58 

 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

"Stand firm" - God has place you where you are to minister to the students who cross your path.  Don't let the trials of life blow you over.  Don't let the negative folks in the church defeat you.  Stand firm in the Lord.  Know that He is the one who can give you the strength to stand.  

"Let nothing move you"nothing |ˈnəθi ng |pronoun - not anything; no single thing.  

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord" - Guard yourselves against the half baked, half hearted approach to youth ministry.  Protect yourself from burn out.

Why?  "Because you know your labor is not in vain." - You can't always see the fruits of your efforts but you are impacting lives.  You may never know how a conversation with a student may be just the thing they needed to get life back on track.  You may not realize that sitting week after week with students play Farkle makes a difference in their lives.  You may never know how important it is in that kid's life when you sit down at Taco Bell and have a taco with him.

Happy Labor Day!  Your labor is not in vain!  Keep ministering to students!


1 comment:

Sallie said...

I needed this today, Andy. Thanks.

New Site is up and Running

My new web site which now hosts my blog posts is up and fully functional. You can check it out at andylawrenson.com . There is also a ...