My weekly routine includes time with a former co-worker reflecting on our years in Christian education. While each discussion varies, one topic usually comes to the forefront, what impact did we have on our former students? Did the lessons taught inspire faith or has the reality of a lost world caused souls to back slide? Unfortunately, news of partying in college, suicides and students having kids out of wedlock has taken the wind out of our sails.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us, Romans 5:5.
Out of sight out of mind is a common occurrence for Christians who leave the friendly confines of biblical education for a secular environment. Perhaps, the foundations I once thought were firm was merely a mirage. Then again, maybe I was naive, trying to make everyone feel good about life instead of challenging individuals to take a stand. Time will sift the wheat from the chaff, yet as a teacher turned writer, I still struggle with balancing faith with reality.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly, Romans 5:6.
Since I joined Facebook 3 years ago, I’ve had former students and youth de-friend me based upon words in this blog. At times, I may be perceived as over the top, out there or out of touch with reality. Nonetheless, as I study the book of Acts, I am reminded of the only force on this planet which can still transform souls. Sure, there are many things in the Bible that don’t make sense, but without the power of the Holy Spirit Peter, James and John would have returned to their fishing boats and the message of Jesus would have disappeared. Therefore, as I continue to learn how to balance faith with reality, I cling to the promises in the Bible of an abundant life, where victory is not smothered by defeat.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 