Young Christian Leaders' Alliance

R. Josiah Magnuson

Sometimes Aesop’s fables are misrepresented.  In probably one of the most famous, the tortoise challenges the hare to a race.  The hare sees the possibility as ridiculous, but goes along for the fun.  The hare is so confident of his ability to win the race that after running within sight of the finish line, he lays down and goes to sleep.  However, the tortoise slowly inches past the hare and steps over the finish line, just as the hare wakes up to realize his mistake.  “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Many times this story is applied to say that a slow approach will triumph over a fast one.  Yet, does slowness always win?  While it is true that we need to be careful and not try to achieve things too fast, the more important issue is not to lose focus.  Whether one is quick or slow, the “steady” is the bigger part of the equation.

In Scripture, we see countless examples of individuals who God called on to fulfill a mission.  Sometimes He asked them to go slowly and wait, and sometimes He asked them to achieve a goal immediately.  The common factor among those who were successful – those who endured to finish the task – was a steady focus on God’s will.

Paul emphasized, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil. 3:13-14)

The Bible often compares the Christian life to a race.  It is like a marathon in which the runners must put all their strength into competing and overcoming if they are to win.  How can we have this kind of focus?  What should most carefully receive our attention?

Faith in God – Hebrews 12:1 tells us to put aside everything that weighs us down, especially the sin of unbelief which “so easily besets us.”  We need to daily renew a true faith in God.  As Heb. 11:6 states earlier, “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”  Our Creator is alive!  He will reward us if we are committed to Him. 

The best way to gain faith is to read and meditate on Scripture (Rom. 10:17).  The Bible tells us we will have good success if we immerse ourselves in it day and night (Josh. 1:7-8, Psalm 1:2-3).  Every step we take in the race of life must be illumined by God's Word.  With light from Scripture, and the faith that results from it, we can have a proper focus in our day-to-day decisions (Psalm 119:105, Prov. 4:25-27).

Fellowship with Christ – The “mark” Paul states he is pressing towards in Philippians 3:14 is described in verses 8 through 11.  Paul’s goal is to “win Christ, and be found in Him.”  His reason is “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” 

As believers, we are dead and our lives are “hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3-4).  It should be our purpose to have close fellowship with Christ – even in His sufferings and death – so that we can join in the power of His resurrection!  When we view life from this perspective, we gain a right attitude and can thus have true joy.  Peter expounds on this point, telling us that we are called to have endurance, suffering patiently, because Christ also suffered for us.  In His likeness, we will be glorified! (I Peter 2:19-14)

Finish Line – The end of the race awaits us.  We must finish the course faithfully, for those who love Christ will be awarded a crown of righteousness from the Righteous Judge (II Tim. 4:7-8)!  Our focus should be on eternity.  Our vision should be to bear fruit that lasts, not of this world where it will decay, but in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.  True endurance – in which we do not “run in vain” (Phil. 2:16) – requires uniting with other believers to hold forth the Word of life to a dark and perverse society around us.  When we remember that our value does not stem from this life, but from treasure in the next, we are inspired to fight for the prize and succeed for God’s glory.  (I Cor. 9:22-27)

The race we are running is a war.  Endurance, by definition, involves struggle.  Spiritual attacks – and even physical ones – will come to the bold soldier of Christ.  But boldness in Christ’s example is boldness in a history-long celestial campaign for the honor of our God, fought in the hearts of men.  That campaign cannot fail.

The Apostle James told us, “Behold, we count them happy which endure.” (James 5:11)  If we remain steadily focused, enduring to the end, we will have the privilege of joining in Christ’s triumph. We will have the joy of laying our crowns at His feet.

Will you finish the race as a tortoise or a hare?

Justin Summerlin

“But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2b)

As we saw in The Will of God Part 1, many people think the will of God is to know who to marry and what job they will have when they are young. God generally does not reveal specific answers to us, but he does give us clear directions and steps about following His good, acceptable, and perfect will.  The first part of following God’s will is to not conform to the world. The second part is to be transformed by renewing your mind.

“Transforming” is in direct contrast to “conforming.” Conforming is to become like, whereas transforming is total change from the inside out. Another word for this transformation is metamorphosis. Think of the process an ugly caterpillar goes through to become a beautiful butterfly. It must go into a cocoon stage where the worm is transformed. Every part of its anatomy is changed from its physical inside to its beautiful outside.

So how are we transformed? We need to renew our mind! Renewing has the idea of renovating. When a house is renovated, it often needs to be totally “gutted” out. All the walls, carpet, counters, cabinets, toilets, and showers are taken out and thrown away. Our mind sometimes is just like that renovated house that needs to have the corrupt or unprofitable thrown out. Throw out the garbage that the world has so cunningly flooded your mind with, turn off the worldly influence of your TV and iPod, and get your Bible out.

The word "mind" is mentioned 92 times in the KJV. While scanning through the verses I found a majority of them talking about being of “one mind,” “of the same mind,” or “be likeminded.” I would encourage you to look up these 92 times the word “mind” is mentioned. Much could be said about the mind, but I want to focus in on what Philippians 2 says about the mind of Christ. (Notice in verse 2 the mention to be “of one mind.”)  

Though we are heirs of the King of Kings, let’s have the mind of a servant and be humble. I challenge you to be transformed by renewing your mind to have the mind of Christ.

R. Josiah Magnuson

Christ’s peace is different from the world’s peace. The peace Christ offers requires intense decision-making, obedience, and often, suffering. Christ’s peace is only made by the power of the cross.

This afternoon brought a brief yet heavy Carolina rain shower to the landscape around my office. A large pool of water filled up in a low place in the parking lot, creating a shallow yet sparkling pond. Several fronds of tall summer grass, evidently having escaped through cracks in the asphalt, stood majestically erect above the water, as if imagining themselves to be great lake reeds. The only movement on the surface of this tranquil ocean was the reflection of the happily singing birds fluttering in the light of the slowly setting sun. As a breath of evening breeze touched my face, I thanked the Lord for this beauty. The thought crossed my mind that this was a glimpse of what true peace looks like.

True peace does not require a perfect environment. It does not rely on the standards of the world, or the approval of a consensus. Rather, it is found by satisfaction and contentment – a tranquility of heart – in accepting the person and work of Jesus Christ. True peace also requires obedience to His commands. In making peace within ourselves and with others, we must believe Christ enough that we put into practice His method for doing so.

The world has its own ideas about peace. The world projects a false song that tells us we can achieve peace, joy and love through our own goodness. A simple Internet search reveals such diverse projects as “Coffee for Peace,” “Writing for Peace,” “Boycott for Peace,” and even “Knitting for Peace.” While each of these efforts is probably well intentioned, and it is possible some have even contributed to the end of various conflicts, no human effort can ultimately create the peace we all long for.

Human nature remains unchanged since Woodrow Wilson declared World War I “the war to end all wars.” Worldwide conflict has only escalated even through every effort to quell it. We can probably all agree that today, the cause of peace as promoted by the world is not moving along very smoothly.

Christ told us, “Peace I leave with you – My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” (John 14:27) He has already made true peace for us. The Apostle Paul states Christ’s work was such that, “…In all things He should have the preeminence… having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Col. 1:18b, 20) When we have peace with Christ, and our identity is in Him, we can have peace with everything else, because He is at peace with all things!

The reason Christ’s peace is different is that it is made by means of the cross. Christ’s way is one of suffering. Sacrifice is the essence of true love. In order to build peace, we must be willing to sacrifice and suffer for others. In fact, we must actively take initiative to “take up the cross daily”! (Luke 9:23) We must follow Christ no matter what.

One area in which Christ has given us a path to follow is that of personal offenses. If someone wrongs us, we are not to spread gossip or evil remarks, nor are we to disassociate immediately from the person. Rather, we can find reconciliation using the method of Matthew 18:15-17.

First, Christ says to go and talk to the individual who has offended you. Chances are the person did not even intend to hurt you, so give them the benefit of the doubt. If in any way possible, this conversation should take place face-to-face. Don’t settle for Facebook or phone calls if you can physically sit down and talk to the person. And, if someone wants to tell you a bad report, don’t listen. Ask them if they have talked to the person first.

Second, Christ tells us to take another person or two along, to talk with the offender again. If they do not understand or listen to one individual, perhaps someone else can communicate the problem better. However, if the offender still refuses to hear, these extra persons will act as witnesses to verify the situation.

Third, Christ commands that we bring the issue before the church. The offending person will then be addressed by the church body and appropriate leaders.

Finally, if the offender still will not listen, he is to be treated as an unbeliever, and not remain in church fellowship. This extreme option is only to be used after each of the previous points is exhausted.

Another command that encourages peace is that of the Sabbath. God has given us this day to rest from our earthly labors, just as He did from His. (Exod. 20:8-11) It provides a time of release in which we can put our focus back on our Creator. God promises great reward to those who honor the Lord’s Day. (Isa. 58:13-14, Mark 2:27-28 )  

God ordains that His children have rest and peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matt. 5:9) While the world expects peace to involve compromise on all sides, Christ teaches that peace is principled and one-sided. The making of peace is our obligation. (Rom. 12:18-21) We are to follow Christ’s example and trust Him, even though it may bring us suffering. Then, others will be brought to true peace through the forgiving, reconciling work of the cross.

Like the pool of rainwater in the parking lot, we are called to provide tranquility even though our environment is rough and unfriendly. But, our Savior understands everything He calls us to do (Heb. 4:15). He has made the way for us to have peace in His identity. “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (v. 16)

It is on the power of God that true peace rests. As David stated, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Here is a sweet video from our friends over at Ultimate Quest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC1z7kd5Ar0&feature=player_embedded

R. Josiah Magnuson

One of the most important points to proper leadership is being able to develop and communicate a vision. For believers, a vision has been set for us by our great Leader, Jesus Christ. We are called to bring others into His kingdom and serve and teach them in His Way. As we seek to set a godly example for those around us, the Bible tells us we need to have the mind of Christ.

We need to have a correct capability to make decisions, a correct standard for taking action, and a correct motivation for our work. When we cultivate purity in these three areas, we are cultivating the vision that will unite our fellow-believers in “likemindedness.” (Phil. 2:1-2)

Philippians 1:9-11 reads: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

The mind of Christ requires a spirit of love. But love cannot exist alone; love must be defined in “knowledge and all judgment.” Judgment means making decisions. Not only must we know the truth, we must make choices based on that truth. Scripture provides at least three specific guidelines for proper judgment. We are never to measure others in a way in which we are unwilling to measure ourselves. (Matt. 7:1-5) We are never to judge situations only according to how they immediately appear. (John 7:24) And, we are never to judge anything “before the time.” (I Cor. 4:5) Christ told us in Matthew 7:16, regarding false prophets, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Often fruits take time to ripen. Thus, we can see that God expects us to have a consistent standard, to look at both sides of an issue carefully, and to take time and show patience to others.

The mind of Christ also requires “approving things that are excellent.” We need to seek out education, outreach, and even entertainment according to the highest quality of purity. We are children of the King, and we are called to represent Him. Especially as we grow as leaders, others will be looking to us to “set the bar” in Godly living. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be. We should examine ourselves constantly to maintain adherence to Scripture. Philippians 4:8-9 provides us with a much-needed compass to direct the focus of our thoughts. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

Finally, the mind of Christ requires that we “be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” We need to be people of integrity. How can we have a continued right motivation in the face of the constant dishonesty and fleshly desires of the world? The verse itself provides the answer: “the day of Christ.” We are enabled to have Godly motivation when we maintain watchfulness for Christ’s coming. Because this world is quickly passing away, any attempt to invest our lives in it will bring sorry returns. However, we can place our treasures in heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (Matt. 6:20) Christ told us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8 )  God wants us to seek to see Him. When our focus is placed beyond this life, our motivation will be from beyond this life as well.

A united purpose creates a united cause. While “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8 ), like-mindedness in Christ creates stability and efficacy. When we learn and integrate the principles of God’s Word, and in doing so purify our hearts, we serve our fellow-believers by providing a standard of excellence around which we can all unite. This fact is possible because the focus is then placed not on us as individuals, but on our great Leader, Jesus Christ. We can all be of one mind when we each set our eyes on Him.

By Joel Biester

I find it very interesting how some philosophy, which completely typifies the thoughts of the flesh, is so pervasive in our culture. Then again, though sad, it's not a surprise. Even some Christians “buy into” foolish philosophies. It's by God's grace that others don't.

One foolish philosophy is, "I am who I am, don’t change me!" Well, what if Hitler had said that? Do you think God will let him use that excuse when he is judged? Is it any more right because you use it? In reality, we are all inherently wrong and sinful. Humanity is fallen and our natures have been corrupted. God calls us to be more than we are!

Oh, and "Live life!" Most people who use this don’t have a life worth living. Why live life as though it were the only thing? Have you considered that life is a short phase that directs your future? (James 4:14) Will living "life" now truly give you the fulfillment you desire? The answer is it can’t. Only Christ can give true purpose, and living for Him will be just that fulfillment.

What about the phrase, "It’s my life!"? I’m sorry – at least if you’re a believer – because Christ is supposed to own your life! (Col. 3:3-4) Christ, as God, came down to Earth as a human, to die, and not just die but to die the death of a criminal. A criminal is one who has transgressed the Law – as we all have – which Christ never once did.

He died there, enduring humongous torture, ridicule, slander, scoffing, spite, and pain. His suffering was fully physical, but He also suffered under the weight of our sin – indeed, all of humanity’s sins – and there had part of Himself, God the Father, turn away. He did all this so that you could live apart from service to sin! Rom. 6:1-6

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet NOT I, but Christ lives in me. And the LIFE which I now live in the flesh I LIVE by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20

Why think in terms of foolish philosophies? Give your mind to Christ and be free from the falsehood of this world.

By Justin Summerlin

“And be not conformed to this world” - Romans 12:2a

The will of God is a topic that comes up frequently for teenagers, but also is often questioned by all ages on into adulthood. When many people think of the will of God, they think, “What job occupation will I choose?” or “Will I go to college?” or “Will I marry and who will I marry?” While God does not reveal answers to these specific questions, His good, acceptable, and perfect will should guide us in all our decision-making.

One important point about God’s will is that it involves something to keep from doing. The apostle Paul tells us to “be NOT conformed.” Let’s look at the word “conformed.” What does it mean? Another way of putting it is, “to fashion like.” I’m sure most of you can remember when you were little putting on your mom or dad’s clothes because you wanted to be just like them. You might have dressed up like your favorite superhero. You were fashioning yourself like those you admired. You wanted to be like them and sometimes you wanted to be them. By doing so, you were associating yourself with them.

So how can we be actively participating in His good, acceptable, and perfect will in regards to life’s decisions? Do not be fashioned like the world, and do not desire to be like them.

Did you know that being conformed or not conformed is an external action? It is something that can be actively observed by others. Do unbelievers see you conforming to the world?

By R. Josiah Magnuson

A common problem for youth involves responding to authorities. This problem is at the root of many issues with relationships in general. In fact, wrong response to authority causes a cycle of personal issues and conflict. But this cycle can be broken at any of its points.

Let's start with the point of Rebellion. Rebellion is created by pride – it is a state in which one thinks he “knows better,” and so he is not willing to submit to the will of those over him. God hates a rebellious attitude. In I Samuel 22-23, God compares rebellion to “witchcraft” and stubbornness to “iniquity and idolatry.” Rebellion can be broken through humility. We need to realize that God has a purpose in His commands for us, including those He gives us through our authorities.

The next problem point is Reaction. Rebellion invites an authority to react. For example, if a child’s parents tell him to do something, and he tells them he won’t, they may become upset, and the child will probably be punished. Rebellion is not always so overt – nor is the reaction to it. But a reaction is sure to come. The cycle can be broken at this point by meekness (Psalm 37:11). We should accept the consequences of our actions and seek to learn from our mistakes. The cycle unwinds here from a change in our behavior.

If we do not accept the consequences, we enter the next point, Perception. This stage results from an improper view of the authorities’ reaction. The problem occurs where one thinks he has done no wrong but was punished anyway – or perhaps he realizes he was wrong but views the reaction as overbearing and unnecessary. Today, improper perception of issues is heightened by gossip and communication failure. People often believe they have received a complete thought or context when in fact only one piece of the puzzle has been added. The solution here is twofold. First, we must be sure to be truthful in our view of others, especially of authorities (Eph. 4:22-25). We as people naturally tend to exaggerate our own problems, both in conversations with others and in our own minds. We must remember not to accept falsehood – we need to judge rightly. Second, we should humbly appeal to our authorities regarding concerns.

The final point in the cycle is Bitterness. Bitterness exists in one’s mind and heart like a deeply imbedded barb or fishhook that instead of being pushed out, only imbeds itself deeper with passing time. It does not cure itself. Rather, if we allow ourselves to begrudge others, a bitter spirit will spread to our friends, family, church, and more. Bitterness results when we continue to perceive faults incorrectly, viewing them as assaults rather than lessons from the Lord. In many ways, bitterness is the heart of the cycle. It provides the cycle’s sustaining force. Bitterness breeds further pride, rebellion, self-pity, and falsehood. A solution is found only in God’s mercy and forgiveness. We can forgive and release others from the past, because Christ has forgiven us! (Eph. 4:32)

To summarize, we need to be alert to God’s work. We need to submit to our authorities, and not be bitter. By exemplifying humility, meekness, and truthfulness, we can break the cycle of conflict. Most importantly, we need to have a merciful and forgiving heart to address issues. We live in a fallen world and must always keep in mind that our current existence is not how it was “meant to be.” Rather, God loved the world (even those who cause us problems) so much that He gave His Son so that anyone who believes in Him can have eternal life. That is the greatest mercy anywhere.

http://www.drdino.com/deborah-drapper/

Here is an example of one 14-year-old young lady who is doing what she can to spread the gospel!  Deborah lives in England and uses her knowledge of creation science to point people to Christ.  She starts out by asking, "Do you think of yourself as a good person?"  She can then talk to people about how Christ is their Creator, how they have violated His rules, and how they need His salvation.  Check it out the video (above) on Dr. Kent Hovind's website. 

By David Killinger

We should all agree that selfishness in a romantic relationship just doesn’t work. Unfortunately, while most people (Christians or otherwise) agree with this statement, many hold on to selfish attitudes - often not even realizing it. These attitudes have become so ingrained in our culture that they are an automatic response, and are considered normal.

At some point in our lives, most of us have asked ourselves,"Is this person the one for me?" However, isn't that a selfish question? It places the basis of your decisions in a relationship on how you feel, what the other person does for your life, and whether or not they "complete" you. That's putting yourself first.

These kinds of thoughts have no place in true love. Love is putting someone else above yourself, and sacrificing for them. A selfless attitude would be, "What can I do for this person? How can I serve them and meet their needs?" This is the picture painted when you love someone selflessly.

But even selflessness is not enough. Does God enter into your equation? I've talked to many people who are under the impression that God will be happy with their relationships if they just abstain from physical intimacy before marriage. However, the Bible states, in Mark 12:30: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength…” God wants your complete service, not just compliance with a few laws. It has been said that love is not gazing into another's eyes, but rather gazing in the same direction with them. The Bible says, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3) In order to achieve unity in a relationship, both partners must walk together in the service of the Lord.

Our society generally does things backwards. We tend to look for someone that we can fall in love with, then once we're in love we look fo character qualities that we could live with. If the romance works out, we tryto do things in a God pleasing manner. How's that working in our culture? Let's see...there's a divorce rate of over 50%. This is like looking for food that tastes good and being surprised when it turns out not to have any nutritional value!

The right strategy is to run, run, run to Jesus! Now look around. Who's running with you? Each of us must first find someone who is running with us in the service of God. Second, we must look for character qualities that fit the Biblical guidelines of what a man or woman should be, including a desire to fulfill God’s roles for a husband or wife. Last - only after the other two steps – we can look for romance.

If you would like more advice on avoiding selfishness in a relationship, talk to a few senior citizens who have had long-term and God-glorifying marriages. They know what works! This author also recommendsr eading articles from the encouraging website, www.Boundless.org, on a regular basis.

In conclusion, selflessness involves more than just wondering what someone else wants. It means giving yourself to God alone, and then sacrificing for others’ benefit. True love is shown by devotion to God and by asking what you can do to serve others and build character, not whether someone fits you.