2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of TIMIDITY, but a spirit of POWER, of LOVE and of DISCIPLINE."
I still find myself in bewilderment when I come across small-minded, conventional leaders who are purposed to serve the youth of today's future. I was always raised in an environment where the youth's ideas, creativity, and energy was always encouraged and almost expected out of us. What I find so shocking here in suburban-slash-borderline-rural Indiana is that the youth's opinions are virtually non-existent and to an extent discouraged and completely ignored. I am all about conservatism, but there comes a point where one has to pause and remind themselves that we are well into the 21st century where the world does not stop for anyone's small dreams and goals. If you want to make it big in anything in this life, you have to dream big and shoot for the stars. In that sense, shouldn't the church be making an effort to keep up with the times in order to appease today's youth? It's practically common sense to say that children do not conform easily into the straight-edged rigid rules of legalism where they are coerced into attending church every Sundays and Fridays. Even as an older-now-a-little-more-mature college student, my ass still becomes numb from sitting in the uncomfortable wooden church pews. God did not create all of us to be like robots, nuns, and monks. He did not give us a spirit of timidity, to be afraid and unbending to change; but He gave us a spirit of power and discipline. The power to be courageous and actively, radically carry the cross and spread the Gospel. That through our spirit of freedom and joy comes the gentle guidance of discipline. There is nothing wrong with worshiping God in church pews. But there is also nothing wrong with worshiping God outdoors, amidst the nature of which God had created for US to enjoy, appreciate, and revel in all His natural glory and beauty. Times change and update constantly and rapidly, but the Word of the Lord stays the same forever. Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." But it doesn't mean we are to be limited and confined to ancient methods and traditions. We need to find a new and different way to apply the Scripture and its Truth into kids' lives so that they are able to relate to this thousand-year-old text. I pray for revival among the youth of Indianapolis. I am still waiting and will proactively wait upon the Holy Spirit to come down the churches of Indianapolis and stir our hearts with conviction.
