A Hakuna Matata Theology-Part II

"It's a problem free philosophy"! This sounds amazing, however it just can’t be biblically substantiated. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus is very upfront with his disciples, you WILL have troubles, so why aren't we? I have become more and more aware of my calling to prepare students for the "trouble" of this world but also encouraging them to "take heart"


With this being established over the last post and above paragraph, how do we do this? How do we who lead students prepare them for the truth of what Jesus taught in John 16:33?


First, be upfront with students! They are pretty perceptive anyway, but by opening Gods word and sharing with them consistently what Jesus taught his disciples about salvation and the Christian life they will be better equipped to navigate the world they live.


Secondly, Make it a priority to reaffirm a students Identity in Christ and dependence upon his work in them for transformation. Hard times will come and doubts will surface, but if a student is always reminded of WHO they really are it makes weathering the storms more beneficial


Third, ALWAYS work with a students parents whenever possible. Without a doubt a parent has way more spiritual influence over a student than we do. It is simply insufficient for any one leading students to do so isolating the family. These storms and troubles of life often emanate from home anyway, so it benefits the whole family when this principle is followed.


Last, celebrate in the bad times as well. To often we celebrate when things are great and lament when things aren't so great, but leading students to "rejoice always" can prove advantageous for forming a better theology of Christian life and growth. 

Its obvious that much more can be said about how to combat this "hakuna matata" mentality this generation is immersed in, but these simple principles can prove to be a great start to helping students take their rightful place in the Kingdom...

A Hakuna Matata Theology-Part 1

 As I was watching one of my absolute favorite movies with my kids, it came to the all important scene of Simba being "rescued" by Timon and Pumbaa. They of course teach him their philosophy of life, Hakuna Matata. This is a Swahili phrase meaning, "There are no worries" As I watched my three kids dance and sing, I suddenly realized: This is exactly  what the students I serve think life should be!! It was a light bulb, no an explosion of thought about all the conversations I have had with hundreds of students and their parents. They in some way feel like their life should be void of trouble and problems. I mean, as a Christian shouldn't life be oh so rosy and care free? 


Christian Smith, in his research and subsequent book Soul Searching, coined the phrase 'moralistic therapeutic deism' which simply put is 'God exists for my betterment'. Isn't this exactly a "hakuna matata' mentality? Now I am not saying its all Disney's fault this generation has been deceived, all because of an animated classic! I am saying however, that such a mentality has permeated the church, parenting, and the student culture that running from problems, blaming other people, and taking no responsibility for one's actions is the "norm".

This isn't scriptural AT ALL! When I read the Bible, specifically the words of Jesus, he is very animate about the fact that, "In this world you will have trouble" John 16:33. However he also says in this same text to have peace? How? How is it possible to embrace the tension between troubles and peace? The answer lies in who we choose to place our faith in! We can not expect to live trouble free, but we can fully expect that King Jesus is reigning from his throne and will rise up and defend those who trust in him! I believe that those of us who lead and equip students and parents must be very clear in training people to not avoid issues in life, but to commit their lives to the real Jesus, who reigns sovereignly and has perfect plans for those problems and issues that arise in our everyday life. 

 We must stand and truthfully preach that Jesus has conquered all so that we can live…."Worry free" not because we ignore the problem or run away, but because, "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1) who will always come to our defense!  May we be diligent to help students and parents take their rightful place in the kingdom, overcome their past and lead people well!