limitless grace

I've been teaching in our young people's class for almost 10 years now...telling them the importance of application of doctrine...the deciding moment of using what you know that ultimately contributes to who you are. I bombard them with verses that talk about pressing on, fighting the good fight, wearing the armor of God, keeping on...I touch on sensitive parts of the Christian life like sex and gossip...I push them into thinking things that are pure, honest, of good report and having a Christ like attitude. All these I do because I am motivated with love.

I love these kids enough that I would rather hurt them with the truth than candy coat a lie. I know how hard it is to depend on my own capacity, eliminating God in my plans, doing things my way, living wild and free...the farther you are from God's will, the harder He would smack us back to reality. I've learned my lesson well, but I've learned it hard. Pain was my initial motivation...and boy was it painful! That's why I always say this to my beloved young people "What you don't learn from doctrine, you will painfully learn in experience."

I don't have a degree in theology, or even a decent college degree. My credentials in Christian Living would be so undesirable that you would think twice listening to me in Bible class. I am not hiding the fact that I am not perfect, the young people at church has seen my highs and lows. They've seen me lose my cool or arrogantly respond to a question that challenges my belief. I am not proud of it, but I don't hide it...I constantly thank God that He has provided a way for me to get back on track!

My imperfectness as a fallen and sinful creature elevates the importance of God's limitless grace. Yes, I am a sinner...but my sins should never stop me from teaching God's principles to our young people. I have dedicated my life to be used by God in whatever way He wants. I try to practice everything I preach, but the fact that I can't makes the Word of God so real to me.

I don't expect the young people of our church to be perfect and stop sinning...because that won't happen. But just because they won't be perfect does not mean I should stop bombarding them with doctrine. While sin still exists, we should not stop proclaiming God's perfect and limitless grace.