Freedom

Many times in junior high ministry we forget the importance of freedom.  Our junior high students are just like us even if we have different experiences in life.  I know in my ministry there are students who don’t really understand what happened on September 11.  This seems crazy as to many of us it seems like that terrible day was just yesterday.

Freedom is important to students when it comes to making decisions.  When God created us He did not make us robots just to do as He pleased.  He gave us freedom to choose.  Sometimes we make amazingly great choices that really make Him happy, but other times we make choices that I am sure He is truly disappointed with. Either way we have that freedom.

Our junior high students are just really getting an understanding of their choice.  They have know the difference between right and wrong for several years now, but they are starting to comprehend the decision making process now.  They are choosing to please or disappoint God.  They are choosing to follow Jesus or turn away from Him.

Freedom is a powerful opportunity and God granted it to us from the beginning.  We need to use our freedom wisely.

I pray that this 4th of July you and your junior high students will be reminded of the freedom of choice we have.  Encourage your students to make good choices in all areas, but especially when it comes to following Jesus.  If they figure out this choice then the rest of the choices make a little more sense.

Thank you God for the freedom you give us.  I pray that we take advantage of the opportunity you give us to choose to follow.  Help us to encourage our students to do the same.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen!