Back to School

Pause

The world needs light. The world needs hope. The world needs selflessness. The world needs equality.

The world needs us to show how Christ walked with those that are oppressed and unique, how Christ prayed for all people, and how Christ served humbly without recognition.

Let us shine with the light of Christ.

Listen

Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.

Romans 12:11-12

Think

Did you spend time serving this summer? Maybe you took a mission trip or served on a mission site at summer camp. Maybe your youth group served the community in your own back yard. Have you thought about continuing that spirit of service during the school year?

Serving is fun, but it is also hard – at times it drains us, especially if our hearts and minds are not geared to serve others, but instead are focused on serving ourselves.

When we serve ourselves instead of others, our enthusiasm for Christ is missing. Working to serve ourselves instead of others exposes a disingenuous heart. When this happens – and it does – refocus on when and why you are called to serve. Refocus by devoting yourself to prayer and asking God to change your heart to be genuine. Will you refocus each day? Or will you stay stagnant in your relationship with Christ and others?

Megan Turner Doud

Pray

Lord, take away my fears that hinder me from living fully. Help me serve with enthusiasm and joy. Lord, help me be an example to my friends and family. Amen.

Go

Go, sharing your faith with words and deeds.

Go, living in this dark world, and may you be the light.

Go, serving others with humility and grace as Christ did.

And go, singing words of praise each and every day.