In continuation to Sis CC's post on Becoming More Like Christ...
Dear youths, there are much fears that many are expressing from the aftermath of camp. Let us consider these fears in light of God's word [and not our just from our own fallible experience]
Fear #1: Church camps only bring us to a spiritually emotional high unsustainable for the rest of the year
God's word: Exposure to God's word for 4 days and 4 nights invariably has this effect. Just like the article Sis CC directed us to - a person exposed to the sun will become tanned. Even one who applies sunblock will be tanned - just not burnt. Let us not be ashamed of the working of God or even be sceptical. It is certainly true and clearly our responsibility to examine our own faith to test the spirits. But let that testing not undermine the power of God's word and work. May your FEAR not quench the power of God's work and the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
In the same manner, if we were to spend a concentrated 4 days and 4 nights with whichever company, we would soon be invariably drawn to that company and immerse ourselves in it. Perhaps, what we can do is to commit our emotions to the Lord and allow His word to direct and affirm our decisions and not carry it up on the waves of emotions by ourselves. If you are resisting, know what and why you are resisting.
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7
Fear #2: I cannot keep up with the commitments that I have made cos every other year has proven me a failure in this area.
God's word: Exactly! We cannot keep up with our commitments! This brings to mind one of my favourite verses of all time -
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
This verse tells us of God's completed task for us on the cross of calvary - that it is nothing we can do to save ourselves but to trust in Christ, who has done all. Likewise, this verse extends to our Christian life. The faith and commitment we have in God is really not our own effort - it is through grace that we are where we are. Grace propels us to discipline ourselves in reading God's word and praying to align ourselves towards God and His light. Trust and fully depend on God to bring your commitments to fruition by your constant discipline to stay in the LIGHT [through reading and prayer]. Fearing to commit your life because of past failures to keep it only reveals the frustration of self effort.
Finally:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
SAIL ON!
