“Back to School!” To some, that has a great ring to it; to others...not so much! Either way you approach it, a new school year brings a fresh opportunity for growth and relationships. New teachers and students, new teammates and club members, new opportunities to represent God well to those in our circle of influence. Remember what we’ve been saying...every conversation can be a mentoring conversation when Christ is at the center of who you are. Whether you are a parent, student, teacher, coach, or whatever, you have the ability to change the world around you this Fall by your actions and behaviors...that is BIG! A divinely changed mind (one that is being transformed by Christ) will always result in a changed behavior, action and trajectory. The opposite is true as well! See Philippians 4:8...When we line up our thinking with God, our trajectory becomes divinely-led! And we begin caring about the things that God cares about - people!
As you get connected (or re-connected) this Fall, remember Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is...His good, pleasing and perfect will.
So, what are some of the “patterns of this world” in your life today that keep you away from God’s will? Busyness is one of the biggest culprits I see! It is up to each one of us to determine why we are so busy, and adjust to God’s will for our lives. God created margin - He created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th...not because He was tired, but for us to see that we cannot go full speed all the time without renewal. Relationships take time to grow, so we must find time to connect with others - at school, sporting events, band contests, church picnics, Labor for Your Neighbor...you never know who God is directing into your path! Love others as Christ has loved you - well!
We tend to focus more on WHAT we are doing in our lives than on WHO God puts in our path. Our WHAT should only be the avenue for connecting and mentoring those God has brought into our lives. It must never be the focus!
This month, keep your eyes open to WHO God places in your path...and get to know them! We are surrounded by so many people who do not know our Savior. I pray that God will break our hearts for those who do not know Him!
