So it's happened once again. I have once again been roped into being a prayer leader on my hall. For those who don't know, at Liberty University we weekly meet together as a hall, talk about stuff, and then break off into groups and have a bit of a devotional and pray a bit. This is the part I really enjoy.
As a Christian a huge part of my life involves being discipled and disciplining others. The thing that is gonna bring me off this high of having five new guys to pour the love of Christ into is simply everything else that comes with this job. The numerous meeting I will have to attend on the dorm and most horribly prayer leader meeting.
Now, prayer leader meeting as an idea is not a bad thing, but it has become something that it was never intended to be. See I as a rule would enjoy a fifty minute meeting in which I learn about the happenings on campus and then partake of a mini-lesson. You see the problem isn't really in the system its in the people. The people who are volunteering for this prayer leader job. Common sense tells me that in order for me to encourage other Christians in the walk I personally have to be in step with Christ as much as possible. I guess not everyone shares my common sense.
I have come to find that too many prayer leaders don't really strive to have much of a prayer life at all. I find that instead of their lessons coming from time spent in the Word they come out of something they read online or in some book. Now, I understand getting a spark from some other type of input other than the Word; however, this secondary input should never be emphasized more that the Bible itself.
I guess the root of my frustration is involved in that I have just found another compartment of my daily interaction with people in which Christians are not meeting the expectations. Now I believe I must remind myself and those reading this that I in no way have achieved anything close to my capabilities in Christ. In fact, I find myself failing to be like Christ more than I actually do get things right.
I guess out of all of this, I pray that God would give me the strength to daily exceed the standards that I am expected to meet. "In Christ I can do all things..."
i definitely understand your frustration with all of that. above and beyond, though, God has you in that position for a reason. He has brought this issue to mind... for a reason. 1) obviously to keep you focused on what your main source of growth/knowledge is... but also 2) to challenge others in your position, with Christ's love, to step it up and to seek His Word above all else. it's such a huge learning point to be struck by something in a devotion or some other text... and to then seek out Biblical back-up on whatever it may be that you're reading about. and better yet... to already be seeking God through His word.. and knowing exactly what is said & where to go in the Bible about something in a related devotion/book/online source.
ReplyDeleterock on, J Haynes... I know God is keeping you focused & has you right where He wants you to be
also, kick my butt into gear by asking if I've taken the time to get on task about applying to Liberty. cuz hey... I need to be true to my motivation of strapping on the man-boots in every aspect of life.
okay, i've written almost as much as you did in your blog... so it's shut-face time.
Josh,
ReplyDeleteI understand your pain man! I was a prayer leader for 2 years (so four semesters) and I noticed so often, that the purpose for many people being a "prayer" leader was to get the Christian service credit, because it was easy to do. You had to be at hall meeting anyway (unless you signed out) so why not spend it get credit for something.
Now, I won't tote like I have a supreme prayer life, but I did take the job seriously as after all, I knew God was calling me into youth ministry and I would probably be working with college aged singles (I didn't realize how on the money that thought was). I too, didn't always like the prayer meetings, but I did however enjoy the diving into the word.
You see, when I first started Carson would give us the 8 C's of a changed life, and many would just copy what he said and have that as their small group time. I chose to actually invest in my guys, know what was up with them, and take that and reach them where they were.
the Bible is good for all facets of life, and if I can infiltrate their minds and hearts with the truth of God because I took some time to know them, then even better! I am glad to see you enjoy the discipling and being discipled part, as there is no better, and dare I say OTHER way to grow!
God Bless man!