Teenage Disciples?

Many people, especially adults think that a “teenage disciple” is an oxymoron- you know two words that don’t seem to go together.

Here are some examples:

• “Jumbo shrimp”
• “Military intelligence”
• A “numb feeling”
• “Plastic glasses”
• “Fresh frozen”
• An “exact estimate”
• A “working vacation”
• “Negative growth”
• “Postal service”
• “Clearly misunderstood”
• “Congressional leadership”
• For golfers: “Metal Woods”
• A “little lot”
• An “unbiased opinion”
• “Oddly appropriate”

But I don’t believe “teenage disciple” is an oxymoron at all, and more importantly, I don’t believe God does either! Our ministry is filled with junior high and high school students who take their walk with Christ seriously and are growing as disciples of Christ.

Sure they fail, take two steps backwards before they take one forward sometimes, they don’t always do their quiet time and sometimes lose their temper; but make no mistake about they are disciples…a work in progress…becoming more like Jesus. These students are learning to think like Christians, able to make good choices in a morally confusing culture. They serve each other and they serve in our ministries. They teach and lead Bible studies. They participate and listen during the worship services. They are reaching out to friends and faithfully sharing their lives with them in order to get an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Make no mistake…they are teenage disciples!

Let me encourage you when you look at people, not just teenagers, God wants us to see not only who they are but who they can become when they know and love the living God.

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1Timothy 4:12