|
|
Christian Indie Radio
GetChristianMusic
Solid Walnut Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devotionals
|
|
Cartoons
Culture
Family
Games
Health
Homeschooling
Humor
Inspiration
Kids
Men
Ministry
Parenting
Poetry
Teens
Women
|
|
Statement of Faith
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
Instant Message
Tuning In
by Clare Cartagena (Clare's bio)
Send this page to a friend
Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
First of all Shelly resented being up a half hour earlier at the bus stop for her new school. Secondly there was only one other girl there and she clutched her purse like a security blanket. She was also wearing a skirt. Who wore a skirt first day of school? Nobody Shelly wanted to talk to. She looked to her left and met the unfriendly eyes of a six-foot hulk of a boy. So this was what mornings were going to be like? Shelly pulled out her cell phone and called her best friend from her old town. After that Shelly did not even remember finally getting on the bus. She did not even notice that the girl in the skirt sat next to her, let alone have a clue to what her name was.
Wait! Stop everything. Let's roll back the tapes and do some editing here. What if Shelly did not flip out her cell phone? What if she noticed that the other girl, Tricia, was staring at the "WWJD" pin on Shelly's book bag? Shelly might have said "hello". She might have learned that Tricia's mother just gave her heart to the Lord a few months ago and was trying to find a church. On the bus Shelly could have told Tricia about her church and the great youth group she belonged to. This simple conversation could have turned into bringing a whole family closer to the Lord.
Shelly missed an opportunity because it was easier to tune out of her surroundings rather than be open to the move of the Holy Spirit. Sure it was the first day at a new high school. Sure she felt lost and out of place. But she also wore a pin as a reminder to think "what would Jesus do?"
If you're going to serve the Lord, you're going to have to step out of your comfort zone and into the faith zone. That's the place where you let God's will have the say, not your fears, not your moods, not even your needs. That is what Jesus did. He walked in faith, in readiness, in obedience.
So think about it next time you go to press that "talk" button which really means you don't talk or notice the people physically around you. Think about it when you want to turn away from that geeky kid that wanders the cafeteria looking for a place to sit. Think about it next time you come across that guy or gal in the bathroom who is sneaking a cigarette. What would Jesus do? What would He have you to do?
Copyright 2002, Clare Cartagena. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
|
About Clare Cartagena: Clare Cartagena is an award winning published author of devotionals and short stories. Her life is full with her husband of fourteen years, two preteen children, and a career as a chemist. The Lord has captured her heart and drawn her into youth ministry at her church, Church for the Valley, Assembly of God. She considers it a privilege to lovingly support God's most exciting generation of youth ever that not one should perish or miss the awesome love of their Creator. E-mail Clare at ccarta1058@aol.com |
Send this page to a friend: