“We are becoming who we will be – forever.” – Dallas Willard

I’m running more these days. The more I run, the more I become a runner. My body recovers more quickly; I can run greater distances and faster; I can run more frequently. It didn’t start that way though. My running habits are shaping the type of runner I’m becoming. I don’t spend all my time running sprints because I’m not trying to become a sprinter. I don’t run and jump because I’m not trying to become a hurdler. I train in such a way that it conditions me to become a long-distance runner.

Spiritually, I’m training to become a mature Christ-follower. I don’t just simply become one. The way I train and discipline my life impacts the way a mature as a disciple. Part of that training includes developing the habit of serving others. A mature follower is one who gladly serves others without expecting anything in return. In doing so, we express the heart of God for his creation. Jesus himself said that he came not to be served, but to serve. Part of God’s nature is to serve others. To help those who need it. In doing so, brokenness is healed.

An important part of helping our children mature includes finding opportunities to help them serve others. We are doing this in our student ministry in the next few weeks in a few different ways. First, students are encouraged to participate in Operation Christmas Child. Second, students are invited to join me in our food bank ministry for the next 4 nights we serve others. Finally, we will participate in the canned food drive.

I want to encourage you all to participate in these, but work to make it more than a service project. Take the time to talk with your teens about why we serve others. Talk about being people who want to be a part of God’s work to bring redemption to the world through acts of kindness and sharing the love of Christ with others.