"Focus on God" Bul 45

Abe Miller, Senior Minister
Thu Nov 13 12:32:45 MST 2008

                 Last Sunday morning we had a refreshing experience in our worship service that our teens brought to us. In their drama they reminded us to “focus on God” in worship and our daily lives. Each item that was brought during the drama such as, focus on money, music, family, friends, etc., was overcome by the constant repetitive “focus on God.”  Obviously, the only way that we can keep our priorities straight in real life is by constantly focusing on God.

               I want to thank our teens and Sheri Reed for their effort in bringing a vivid reminder to us that God has to be central in our lives. When one hears and sees things like this in such a dramatic fashion, it tends to stay with us. Hope all of us can encourage the teens for their involvement.

               God places much value on youth. The following is the heart of David concerning youth. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word, I seek you with all of my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:9-16)

               In addition, (Eccl. 12:1) states, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, I find no pleasure in them.” Being grounded in God from your youth is the key to facing the difficulties that come along in life as we age.

               The energy of youth can change the face of the church. No doubt their involvement is going to be much different than ours has been in the past. That’s all right as ling as they are focused on God. That doesn’t make them wrong and us right. It all has to do with the way in which we experience Christianity. What I am talking about is the way in which we do things. It has nothing to do with the message itself but the way in which we communicate the message. No one has the right to change the message of the gospel regardless of what age group they are in.

               Let us find ways and means through which people of all ages can participate in the worship and work of the church. Teens, we appreciate you and encourage you to do more.