Influence

Christians are called to make a difference in society. They are called to be salt, and light (Matthew 5:13-14). Our  life of faith in Jesus Christ should penetrate and illuminate those around us. We should be a positive influence on society. Unfortunately, the influence can also go the other way. Unless we are careful, instead of influencing others for the good, we may be influenced for the bad (Psalm 26:4; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Peer pressure can be a strong persuader, especially if you are in a group. Before you know it you can be following the wrong crowd (Exodus 23:2).

The best way to maintain our witness and influence others for the Good is to keep the influence coming from the right direction (John 8:23). If our influence comes from the world, we will be influenced, but if the flow of influence is from above, we will influence others for the good as a result of our being influenced from above.When the direction of influence is from above, others recognize the source and God gets the credit (Matthew 5:16). Likewise, when you have been influenced by evil, the credit goes back to the source (John 8:44).

You cannot take your cues from the the devil and claim the name of Christ. It is a sham that everyone can see through (Jeremiah 7:9-11). On the other hand, when we are true to the Lord, He is glorified in us (2 Thess. 1:12). If you want to influence others for the good, you have to guard your heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 8:6-7). The Bible tells us that only when we are delivered from sin and live by the Spirit can we have our minds set on what the spirit desires. We must no longer conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Then we can influence others because we ourselves have been transformed.

Snoasis

There were ninety-five people who attended the winter youth retreat at Penn-York camp sponsored by the Eastern Conference of The Evangelical Church. Our theme was "Faces of Faith." Roy Gearhart and his wife Janice ministered to us with Bible teaching, drama, and music. Activities included basketball, volleyball, tubing, pool, games, and socializing. The buzz of excitement grew as more and more youth arrived. It did not take long before the gym resounded with the bounce of basketballs and the game room clattered with the sound of the pool tables. Some joined together around a guitar and enjoyed choruses of praise, while others laughed and talked standing around the fireplace. It was after midnight before sleep arrived as a welcome friend and the first night came to a close.

Saturday began with devotions and a delicious breakfast, followed by spiritually focused morning sessions. The Biblical character of Peter and how he met Jesus was dramatically portrayed for us the first session, and the second session was filled with instruction on what it means to be connected and in sync with God. The kids spent the afternoon enjoying all the activities camp had to offer, and came back together for the evening session.

As "the rest of the story" of Peter was portrayed, youth and adults alike followed Peter and Jesus down the path of miraculous demonstration, denial, crucifixion, bitter regret, resurrection and restoration. It was exciting to see Peter's story replayed in the lives of individuals as they began to see Peter's life as their own. Peter's witness to Jesus as a miracle worker opened the door of possibility. Jesus can do anything. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, vibrated chords of faith, and tears of repentance were reflected on the faces of many as they identified with Peter's godly sorrow. Drama met real life as young people identified with Peter and came forward for spiritual restoration.

Some people look at the youth of today and can only shake their head. Though there is much to lament, there is also much to celebrate. Every year, Snoasis explores the hope and potential in our youth and seeks to accentuate the positive. Our young people need all the encouragement they can get, but the truth is, when we begin to see God working in our youth it is we who are encouraged. I know I came away from Snoasis seeing great hope for the church. The spirituality of our youth is not to be despised. Instead, when their faith and spiritual energy are strong, they can set the tone for the rest of the church to be revived (Job 32:9; 1 Timothy 4:12). As we packed up and left Sunday morning I was very tired, but very glad for snoasis. Its ministry to the youth is as vital as their ministry is to the church. Both carry the vision of great hope and possibility. Unless we invest in the youth of today, there is not much hope for the church of tomorrow.

Lock-in

We had about twenty at our youth lock-in last night. After a devotional about spiritual warfare ( Eph. 6:10-17) we watched C.S. Lewis" The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian as an allegorical interpretation of the ultimate spiritual battle. Youth were also involved in playing Jenga®, Uno®,Twister®, hide-and-seek, Wii Sports®, playing ball, conversation, listening to music, and just lounging around. We consumed seven pizzas, two cases of soda-pop, four bags of chips, three dozen donuts, and a half gallon each of milk and juice. The food, fellowship, game involvement and close proximity served to help us get to know each other better, and the sleep deprivation served to push us to the limits of our endurance.

There are many influential alliances that can affect the lives of young people today. Groups and cliques form and influence youth in both positive (Matt. 5:13-16) and negative (Prov. 1:10-16; 1 Cor. 5:6-8) ways. The purpose of the lock-in was to form alliances around elements that would have a positive influence (Psa. 34:3). I pray that the event was a positive one for the youth.

Scoffers

People of faith have often been the subjects of ridicule and are frequently viewed as ignorant and unsophisticated. The Bible tells us that scoffers will come (2 Peter 3:3; Jude 18), so we should not be surprised. Scoffing at the faith of another does not alter the object of that faith one bit. Let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4). What is challenged is not the object of faith (God), but the subjects of faith (believers). No one likes to be made to look ridiculous. Peer pressure is applied with force, believers are forced into a posture of defense, confidence is shaken, and discouragement sets in. Perhaps that is why we are so often urged to encourage one another (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:25; Jude 20). Our best defense against the scoffers who seek to divide and conquer (Jude 19) is mutual encouragement.