Helping Students Reach Beyond Themselves
Blogger: Daryl Sutherland
What’s it all about? What is our purpose and how do I find meaning in all the mess going on around me? Those are the questions that our kids are seeking answers to. They honestly want to find purpose in life. So how do we help students to truly understand and receive true purpose and meaning? If I had some magical formula, some deep insight into these questions this little article would be a book on the top ten list and I would be a millionaire! We all know that the answers have already been written and are so basic we have a hard time grasping them; instead we seem to stumble over them. These answers were modeled in every action and in every word that Jesus spoke. If we will take the time to look at His life not just read about it, but as one writer put it “study it intently while looking away from all distracting.” Paul says it this way “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed.” Hebrews 12:2 Mess. If you want to be a great boxer you study great boxers. You view video and study training techniques, you take in as much information as you can so that you can apply their winning attributes. If we want to find our purpose in life we need to ‘look exclusively and thoughtfully at the one who not only designed the course, but ran it flawlessly. And run exactly as He ran.’ So where does that leave us?
The most effective way that I have found to help students find purpose, which in turn leads to true life change (true life change lasts) is through outreach and missions. When we follow Gods word, not just in the “big 10” and adopt the life skills it teaches we can find fulfillment in most any situation.
I can honestly say that the vast majority of students that I have watched grow into mature active Christian adults can point to a mission or outreach experience as a defining moment in their spiritual journey. The dynamic of reaching beyond yourself and allowing the servants heart that Christ modeled to overpower our self-centered flesh. That release, starts a movement toward a life full of God driven purpose.
What a cool experience it is every time I see a student eyes light up when they have just sat next to a homeless person and shared a sandwich or a bottle of water and by doing that, given them back their dignity by showing them love. It’s like something explodes inside of them when that connection is made as they reach out in love to meet the need of another human being. To most people it seems like a small thing but spiritually it’s a giant step toward our purpose as Christians. Jesus said, “This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” Matt 10:41-42 Mess
So when we go into areas of the city that are in great need and show “community” by playing games with children, performing puppet shows or dances, painting a house or fixing a car, even though some of these things may seem insignificant to a lot of people, they are all showing the love of God. By giving them our time with no strings attached we are slowly earning the right to speak into their lives. As we die to our selfishness we give way to to the Holy Spirit empowering us to live out the servant example that Christ embodied.
“ He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.” Psalm 72:12-14 NLT. He chooses to use us, what greater purpose can we have?