Keeping Kids Connected to the Bible

Growing up, how did you view the Bible? Did you see it as a list of do’s and don’ts? Did you see it as a guide on how to live the “goody-goody” life? I was thinking back to my childhood and I can’t say I saw it as a list of do’s and don’ts, but I suppose sometimes it felt like that – maybe because there are a lot of commands in the Bible?

At the YM Conference, Kara Powell (who I really appreciate and learn a lot from), talked about this very subject – what IS the gospel and how to make it “stick.”

As teens grow in their faith, many experience what she calls the “Red Bull Rip Off.” Red Bull gives you that HIGH energy when you feel you have none, gets you through the next few hours, and then you crash. (I actually have never had one b/c of my heart, but I have SEEN the effects of it all too often). Well, teens tend to use the gospel in the same way – the gospel helps them barely get through their teen years, and then in collge, all of a sudden, they crash and let go of it.

Get this: 1/3 of teens did NOT mention Jesus when they were listing what it meant to be a Christian. JESUS WAS NEVER MENTIONED. They saw the gospel as a list of behaviors – do’s and don’ts. Numbers don’t lie – so…what do we do about that statistic?

Really the core of Christianity IS JESUS. I know you’re probably thinking, “that is such a Sunday school answer.” Yup, it is – but in reality, kids are not even grasping the short Sunday school answer. Righteousness from God is BY FAITH. Not by our works. Works are an OUTFLOW of our faith. In other words, Kara said the do’s and don’ts will flow out naturally. We teach behaviors (the do’s and don’ts) because they are practical. By all means, I am not saying that we just ignore the commands of the Bible – but I think all too often we make the Bible a list. Our salvation is based on belief and faith – and out of our faith, comes our behaviors. I remember as a kid learning the concept of redemption in the 3 s’s – Sin, Salvation, Service. But there are also the 3 G’s – Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude. I list them both because the last two words of each are crucial – we serve because we are grateful. Too bad it can’t be Sin, Salvation, SERVITUDE J. It’s about your service OF GRATITUDE I think!

Kara also talked about doubt. Okay, who hasn’t doubted???? You would all be lying if you say you haven’t J. Kara said 70% of kids doubt their faith in high school, but few actually talk about those doubts. I can about guess why – we are quick to judge if doubts are raised! Now there is a difference, I think, between doubt and full out belief in the opposite. Doubt is about asking questions and asking questions is not wrong. That is why it is VITAL for teens to have people in their life who they can ask these questions to!!! WE need to ask them questions! I remember recently one of our kids had asked some pretty big “God” questions to us and I was like “what?” I was surprised to hear this person ask those questions. BUT – I’m so thankful this person asked them because what if they started asking these questions in college where maybe no one would be there to answer them? God used us as instruments that day!

Kara gave two questions to ask kids to bring out doubts, where they are in their faith, and questions they may have:

1. When God looks at you, what is the expression on His face? (I need to ask MYSELF that everyday!)

2. If you could ask God anything, what would you ask him?

Instead of me trying to tie all this together (even the last few posts), I’m going to let Kara do it with the statistic she gave us:

Encourage leaders (adults) to think about 4+1

Love this! It means 4 years of high school plus 1 year of college. Maintain that contact for AT LEAST 5 years! That first year of college is so crucial! Those first few DAYS of college are so crucial. Typically in those first few days, friends are made, church is thought of (whether to look for one or not), and a schedule is contemplated. I know I can think of people who have really invested in my life – and I appreciate them to this day. Do the kids going off to college have that same feeling?

What a challenge! I don’t say all this because we are doing all this – we totally are NOT! I say all this because each person can start somewhere. You do NOT have to be involved in youth ministry to make a difference in someone’s life! God has given us all unique gifts to be used in different areas. We are all saved by grace, through faith, and out of our faith, comes that servitude.