“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Recently we returned from a Breakaway conference which challenged us all, adult leaders and students alike, to breakaway from traditionalism and compartmentalizing Christ and to step into living, loving and serving like Christ.

We discussed what some of the barriers might be that kept us, and the students, from stepping out and stepping up. Fear, of course, was number one. One of the things I took away from the conference was that the church we were returning to wasn’t expecting us, the adults, to come back all fired up to live, love and serve like Christ. They would be expecting movement from the students, but not us.

Why? We were participating in the worship, Bible study and small groups. Why were we not expected to come back “on fire”? How sad that it was probably true in most cases! When did we stop? Was there a certain time or event that marked the end of our “fire”?

During our last meeting together, I encouraged the students not to waste any more time. I had wasted so much time not being committed to Christ and I didn’t want them to have that regret. I also encouraged them not to be a douse when they returned. If one of their peers stepped out or made some hard choices, I explained that they should support each other instead of throwing water on (or dousing) the spark their friend had for Christ.

We can be guilty of that too. How many times have we doused each others spark or the spark of a young person because of our cynicism? How many times have we doused our own spark with doubt?

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For each one shall bear his own load.” Galatians 6:1-5

Let us enter into this new season with a fire in our hearts to spread the Gospel of Christ. Let us commit to living, loving, and serving like Christ so that He may be glorified.

Interested in Breakaway? (http://eddie-nichols-s4jj.squarespace.com/)