Getting connected is what
started the Internet. Scientists wanted to share research results.
Farmers wanted to get up-to-the-minute crop prices. That provided the
basic computer hardware. Beyond that, the World Wide Web took the
Internet to a whole new level, with browsers, shared computer
programs, news, graphics, sound, video etc. But the third, and
current, stage of computer connectivity is the SOCIAL networks, that
moves remote socializing far beyond what the telephone, or even the
video telephone could do.
In
the deep shadows of the on-line social networks is a silent
hungry lion, always on the prowl for anyone not on their guard, while
on-line, at a desktop keyboard or a mobile device. At first glance,
those click-spots appear quite innocent-looking. But they're an
accumulative thing, their presence starts building a road to a dead
end.
Everywhere you look,
you're told the opinions and additional choices of others, regarding
what now appears on your screen. Along with that, you're bombarded
with snap-surveys of your own opinions that are recorded on lots of
hidden computers and then posted for others to read, rather than
forming their own opinion. This certainly peaks our thoughts that
others pay attention to what we think and do. We call that our
testimony, which the Bible also calls that our conversation; our
manner of living.
The problem is that all of
the Bible reminds us we are to seek HIS DESIRES and principles. We
are to often each day, ask Him to survey our attitudes and actions,
that our lives will be examples of loving obedience to His “FOLLOW
ME”.
This last Power List
attribute that Jesus followed is called SOCIAL. It's the “and man.”
of Luke 2:52. As we did with the other three attributes in this Luke
2:52 quartet, we'll divide it into its own quartet. We'll make a
quartet within a quartet. Our SOCIAL quartet gets divided into My
Associations and Witness, My Activities, My Abilities, and My
Actions.
My Associations and
Witness
Almost without exception,
who we group with, becomes a statement to others, about our
principles and character. Who we associate with, is more-so our first
impression in the eyes of others. But far more critical is that we
humans adapt; we absorb, we change to fit in; often just to be
accepted, to feel secure, like 'safety in numbers'.
But what happens, over
time is that we either become more like those we socialize with, or
we make an influence on those around us. Not many youth have the
strength of character to influence others rather than being
influenced. As a teenager, Jesus was a wonderful role model for us to
be that God-honoring influence in the lives of others. Luke chapter 2
even gives a great example of this, in the temple. Check out 1John
4:4, and 1Peter 3:15.
My Activities
Teenagers today saturate
themselves with activities whether on-line or not. It seems they are
trying to muffle the reoccurring questions, “Where is this all
leading?”, “Is there no real joy and peace for me?”, “How can
I know if anyone really loves me, just as I am?” One of the ugly
outcomes of living your days and nights like this, is you will never
be able to achieve anything to be proud of. No one will be deeply
sincerely grateful for your 'help'. Your activities should be planned
and played out with prayer by asking God what He wants you to do
today. Then trust Him to lead and give you the strength and courage
to follow through.
My Abilities
Someone once said, “God
don't make no junk!” With God's gifts of love and leading, He also
gives us tools; abilities and talents to serve Him and share His love
and compassion with others. The Bible gives examples of most every
kind of talent, and how these talents were used. A beginning list
would easily fill this page, and more. The big question is HOW can I
use my abilities that will magnify Him and help the church. Sometimes
even asking our pastor or leader to pray with us about using our
skills, is a powerful way to build teamwork in our teenage lives.
Check out Luke 16:1-10.
Your Actions
“Your actions speak far
louder than your words!” This is a statement we've all heard, and
place a lot of value in. Another is, “Talk's cheap!” Our actions
often give real evidence to our inner desires and character. Luke
chapter 2 gives us powerful evidence by the actions of Jesus in the
temple, responding to Mary and Joseph's sorrowful questions, and also
in his obedience to follow and be subject to them, during the return
trip to Mary's home in Nazareth. Because our actions are observed by
others, with their own eyes, they are remembered far longer.
“Christian” means Christ-like. My actions in word AND deed must
agree with each other, and with scripture. Read 1Samuel 2:3 scripture
slowly.
(Note:
adapted from “The Balanced Life – Youth For Christ (aka Campus
Life)
