Who do you think you are?
By: Justin Fatica
You have a fight in you! You have a tenacity and passion that is irreplicable and unique to only you. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he says something very powerful to young people.1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” You have an incredible call for your life! Here are a few ways to become even more of a disciple of Jesus Christ and to live out your calling to serve.
Let God do the judging
Who gave you the authority to judge yourself? No one! You do not have the authority to judge yourself or anyone else. That’s God’s job! So many times, we are held back by our own harsh judgment of ourselves. You may feel unworthy or “too sinful” to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, but that judgment is outside of your operational jurisdiction! You are called to greatness, despite any sinfulness or weakness because God said so. The saints weren’t perfect, but they left the judgment to God, and let his grace change the world through them. You can do it too!
Invest wisely
Spend your time investing your time and energy in the people that God is really putting on your heart. Listen to God in your silent prayer, and beg him to bring you to the people he is calling you to invest in. If someone doesn’t accept your love or investment, don’t give up, but get up and find someone else to give it to who wants it! Be excited about rejection, because it allows you to give your heart to those who need it. Keep striving to reach out, and watch what God will do. It will be amazing.
Remember why you serve
A phrase that our HN missionaries repeat often is “Why are we here? For God’s kids and his future church!”. This helps them to know that the primary focus is not themselves, it’s God’s kids. And guess what? God is never outdone in generosity! By serving and making disciples around you, you in turn will receive much more than you ever imagined in your own life. Of course, we don’t serve for that reason, but God is a generous Father who wants what’s best for his sons and daughters. So, if you wake up every day and serve, I guarantee that God will surprise you with beautiful fruits!
If you don’t have community, start one!
It is very easy to become discouraged and to think that you are the only one in the fight to win souls or live out your faith. I meet many young people who feel alone and like they don’t have anyone to lean on. I encourage you today to be courageous and know that God has given you the authority to step out and start your own community. Regardless of if you are introverted or extroverted, a leader or a follower, God has anointed you missionary and disciple! Here is a way that our ministry builds community, and it’s something that anyone of any age can do. and use it as a tool to bring community together
If you are interested in applying to be a missionary and give even more of your life to God click here to learn more and apply. (link) Remember,we are all missionaries by baptism and we are all called to serve!
