Off to Texas we go. Here we go on another youth trip which entails little sleep, much driving, probably a snow storm, lost items and lots of chatter. Why bother? What makes these things worth the time and energy? In a word: Growth.
We have got to learn how to live and breathe among fellow believers in a way that isn’t simply functional but edifying. It’s not enough for Christians to simply “get along,” we must also love each other and promote one another. We know we are to stimulate one another on to love and good deeds (Heb 10:24). This whirlwind trip has that as its ultimate goal.
But let’s be honest, that will not be the constant thing on our mind or even the frequent topic of discussion. But sitting around talking about things is rarely how jobs get done. Just being around each other is a start, and being around each other in close quarters will help to intensify the situation. Will someone get mad on this trip? I am certain. Is that the worst thing that could happen? Hardly. Will something go wrong? Certainly. But is that of primary concern? Meh.
What I am looking forward to is for this group to cement some relationships. To learn each other better for the purpose of knowing how to provoke each other toward further growth. We don’t just want people to be a better friend we want a better comrade-in-arms. This type of thinking needs to be in the minds of the leaders and the students. We are Christians; we don’t run in such a way as without aim, we don’t box in such a way so as to beat the air! We have a target and we aim to hit it with every punch.
We all need to grow up. We all are a pretty sad resemblance of our great Savior. These kinds of trips have a way of revealing some things about us that need to be changed (for the good of others and for the glory of our God). That is an uncomfortable situation, kind of like riding in a van for 12 hours, but completely worth the result.
Trials do not produce anything inside us, they reveal what’s really been going on. With that knowledge in hand I am praying that this trip is worth every bit of the lost items, the long drive, the sleep deprivation and the frazzled emotions. I want to change, I want to grow and I want to do it along with God’s people.
