Sunday, October 28, 2012

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...


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