I am presently attending the Nordic Youth Congress in Denmark at Himmerlandsgården, the Danish Adventist campsite which situated by the sea. Over one hundred young people from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland are gathered together this week under the theme THINK BIG – An everlasting experience challenging young people to practice their faith in Christ!
The speakers have been challenging us each night to take our relationship with God seriously in a world that is constantly competing for our attention and our allegiances. I have become more and more convinced that if our lives are not guided by God, they will be guided by someone or something else.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that the majority of people in the world get their sense of direction, as well as their general sense of right and wrong, from those closest to them – family, friends and peers. The very same principal applies to most believers, even many leaders.
Problems arise when we let the group do our thinking for us: what we should want, what we should like, what we should do, and where we should go. This is why sins such as racism, gossip, materialism, selfishness and greed are so prevalent and even overlooked in some circles.
Getting guidance from God means that you will often have to stand alone, but it also means that you will see more clearly than the rest and means that you will be willing to stand up for what is right and not just what happens to be popular. As David said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Our challenge as followers and imitators of Christ is to look to God, not culture (not even our very own Adventist Christian subculture) for guidance. We need to let God's Word invade every aspect of our lives, guide our daily lives and dictate the values we are willing to stand up for and defend.
The same Word that gave Noah the courage to build a boat when everybody thought he was crazy. And Moses the courage to cross the Red Sea when they had run out of escape routes. And Joshua the courage to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” And Elijah to stand up to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. And Jesus to speak up for the woman caught in adultery. And Peter the courage and strength to confront the Sanhedrin.
The point is by allowing God to guide your life daily may very well separate you from the in-crowd, but it will also bring a greater meaning, purpose and power into your life. The choice is yours. Who will you choose to be guided by?