10/6/19 - Final worship workshop and temptation!

Good morning!

This past week we finished up our conversations about worship with Jordan and next week we will begin our "regular" Sunday school again! 

At youth group we spent some time playing nine square, talking about life, and learning about temptation. When we see Jesus tempted in the desert, it is clear that Satan exploits Jesus' weakness. He has been fasting for many days and Satan strikes when Jesus is most vulnerable. 

We see that same pattern in our lives. We are often most tempted in the places we are most vulnerable, and I suggested that social standing might be the center of most of our student's day-to-day temptation. We do many things we know we shouldn't in order to fit in or feel like we are a part of a group. We desperately want to belong and are willing to sacrifice our values in order to do so. 

We also talked about how one of the greatest ways to combat temptation was living in a vulnerable and honest Christian community. All people struggle with "ugly" temptations and fall into sin. The darkness can't stand the light though, and when we take our shame into the light of God's forgiveness and Christian accountability, those sins begin to lose their power. People trapped in addiction and sinful cycles can begin the process of breaking them if they are willing to die to themselves and bring their sins into that light. The only problem is that we are proud creatures, and Satan knows it. One of the hardest decisions a Christian has to make is to struggle corporately. We want others to think good things about us, and admitting our sins is not something that we look forward to doing. 

I encouraged your students to find accountability partners and look for ways to be in deep relationships with peers who are willing to struggle alongside them. Its often hard for a high school student to feel a sense of accountability with a parent, but you can set an example by talking openly about the ways you struggle. This flies in the face of common wisdom that says "Parents should be perfect role models," but we all know that isn't possible anyway. The humility that would be demonstrate in you sharing your struggles would be something that would set an example for your students, just like Jesus did when he washed the disciples feet. Both actions lower a figure of authority into a place of humble leadership. Would you be willing to share and pray with your student this week?

Thanks for checking in as usual! Have a wonderful week!