What rite do I have to give guidance?

[ekcol]

Hello All,
Tonight at dinner with a co-worker and his wife, I was talking about ways to get involved in my new community and his wife asked me to join her at this week's youth group. She is 40 and thought that since I am 27 I could relate to the youths and share my thoughts. I grew up attending young life and I know the value of such a program but I'm concerned that as a new Christian that I don't have much to offer these kids. While I was raised in the Pentecostal church and had spent my early teenage years practicing, I rebelled and at one point told my parents I was an atheist. I'm ashamed of my past behavior as I turned my back to Jesus and defied his teachings (alcohol, premarital sex, and mild drugs). I have since accepted Jesus and it's because of my co-worker and his wife. I stopped all this behavior two years ago before i moved here and met them but I've just recently starting reading the bible and looking for a way to have God use me. I think it was Him working through this couple that has lead me to this point through the life they lead. I am going with her this week but I don't know how I can help these youths be good Christians when I wasn't one. I'd rather not share the bad things I did with this new community as I'd like to start fresh and start my walk with the Lord. Can anyone give me advice or insight?
Thank you so much
Kelly

 

[SOLICHRISTOS]

Hi Kelly,

I appreciate your concern. It is very common for Christians to believe and feel like in order to be a Christian you have to be "good."

But the whole message of the Gospel is that Jesus accepts us for who we are and forgives us for what we've done and what we continue to do. It's not a matter of how good your are, it's just the matter of if you truly love God. If you believe in Jesus and want to be His humble servant, then you can start to impact other peoples lives right away!

I would say don't sweat it. Just go and have fun. You don't have to worry about how much or little you know, the most important thing is to just go and spend time with the youth. Talk with them and just join in, in whatever they're doing and before you know it, the time will be up.

Dave.... will be praying for you.

 

[tturt]

Because of your testimony, you really understand Yahweh's grace - that in itself will help you guide them to worship Him for who He is.

The way of the world portrays itself as one of having fun, care-free, independent yet social, etc. but we know that there are consequences to be paid for not following Yahweh's plan. They already know what the world presents, you can relay to them what's in Scripture to help them have successful lives without the years of doubt, fear, addiction, etc. to deal with.

You're right about that couple, He''s using them to help you.

 

[LilLamb219]

As long as you aren't the sole leader of the youth group, go for it. A newer Christian shouldn't be in a position of such responsibility, but can definitely assist in many ways and be a blessing!! You can use your past experiences to help others!

 

[jehoiakim]

you don't need to share all the details or get specific, but for the kids to know that you rebeled did wordly things and came back because you found it was empty... that is a strong testimony... if you have concerns about what to share and what not to share, maybe you should develop a close relationship with that co-worker and tell her about your concerns, if she or the church are going to judge when you are repentant you then it's not the kind of church you should be in anyways. What draws people to church is personal stories, for people to understand how God worked in a specific life, if we all mask our problems we can't really share the victories Christ has won can we? God had to get dirty, and salvation is lets face it a dirty mess because it has to be, we are faulted humans and that transformation in the realness of sin is what catches people... Even if you don't think it is time to yet share those things with the kids I am sure you can listen and encourage, you having experienced and participated in rebellions should see and recognize it in others and maybe can offer advice or call them out in a loving way

 

[Buzzy]

I agree that God is giving you opportunity to share your testimony, that is something all Christians new and older have to give.

 

[paul1149]

I agree with Jehoiakim. This is a great opportunity to give your testimony, but pray for wisdom about how to give it. You can stay with generalities, and simply say you explored avenues that led nowhere, ended up hurting yourself and empty, etc. It will have all the impact without exposing you inappropriately - which would do the kids no good either. YOU get to decide what to share, and what not to share.

If you accept this challenge now, you'll gain wisdom, and you'll find empowerment regarding coming to terms with your past, rather than spending a lot more time and energy hiding it.

 

[ekcol]

But the whole message of the Gospel is that Jesus accepts us for who we are and forgives us for what we've done and what we continue to do. It's not a matter of how good your are, it's just the matter of if you truly love God. If you believe in Jesus and want to be His humble servant, then you can start to impact other peoples lives right away!

I would say don't sweat it. Just go and have fun. You don't have to worry about how much or little you know, the most important thing is to just go and spend time with the youth. Talk with them and just join in, in whatever they're doing and before you know it, the time will be up.

Hi Dave
Thank you for your prayers. I'm still a bit nervous about tomorrow night but after reading your post I'm going to stay positive and not over think it too much.
Thank you so much, I am in your debt
Kelly

 

[ekcol]

As long as you aren't the sole leader of the youth group, go for it. A newer Christian shouldn't be in a position of such responsibility, but can definitely assist in many ways and be a blessing!! You can use your past experiences to help others!

No worries here! I will not be the sole leader as there are some wonderful lay pastors who have that responsibility and do a great job. Thank you I hope that tomorrow night goes well!

 

[ekcol]

Because of your testimony, you really understand Yahweh's grace - that in itself will help you guide them to worship Him for who He is.

The way of the world portrays itself as one of having fun, care-free, independent yet social, etc. but we know that there are consequences to be paid for not following Yahweh's plan. They already know what the world presents, you can relay to them what's in Scripture to help them have successful lives without the years of doubt, fear, addiction, etc. to deal with.

You're right about that couple, He''s using them to help you.

I feel blessed that He sent me here to meet them, I have some work to do and scripture to read but I feel ready to walk the path God has for me. There are times I feel lost but hearing advice and insights here is helping me grow.

Thank you Paul, I didn't realize I was wasting energy hiding my past. This makes sense, i eagerly await wisdom! :0)

Kelly