Nine High School Seniors Share Godly Wisdom with Their Peers

Aimee Herd : May 25, 2010
Bob Kauflin – WorshipMatters.com

"?We don't love God because we don't know Him. Diligently study God's word. We cannot love what we do not know. When we neglect our relationship with God, He doesn't suffer?we do."

During this month's parent/youth meeting?called "10:31"?at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD, a handful of high school seniors stepped forward to present their fellow teens in the audience with some very inspiring wisdom.

I spoke with Bob Kauflin?who oversees Sovereign Grace Music, and helps lead the musical worship at Covenant Life Church?to summarize a little of what the seniors had to say. Bob listed each young person by name, and what each of their main points were?

Dylan Smith - 1 John 1:9
Pursue confession of sin, relationship with your parents, and be completely open to your parents.

Devin Petronic - Eph. 2:19-22
Pursue loving the church, not just listening to messages but applying them, taking advantage of the resources in the church, finding a specific area to serve, breaking away from the mindset that church is a routine, seeking to grow from the messages,

Caleb Hill - Eph. 6:1-3
Honor your parents, and listen to their observations.

Elizabeth Kelley - Is. 40:29-31
We were designed to depend on the Creator, not the created. Rely on God in all areas of your life.

Abi Carroll - 2Cor. 11:2-3
Fellowship rarely leads to sanctification. Pursue God as the center of your everyday life. We don't love God because we don't know him. Diligently study God's word. We cannot love what we do not know. When we neglect our relationship with God He doesn't suffer - we do. Live in light of eternity.

Alicia Nelson - Prov. 3:1, 3-7
Trust your parents' discernment. Seek their counsel. God has placed your parents in your life for a reason.

Sean Bosdosh - Prov. 3:5-6, Num. 6:23-26
Trust the Lord with all your heart.

Amy Calderone - 1 Cor. 4:16-18
Nothing is random. Don't get discouraged in trials, but view them from God's perspective.

Jared Ray - Rom. 8:28
(Bob writes: His mom died 6 years ago. He has seen how much he has grown in the Lord from his relationship with his step-mom, Heidi. He also grew in humility by learning to serve on the basketball team.)

When I asked Bob what the response was from young people in the audience, he replied, "The response seemed to be one of respect and appreciation, with a greater motivation to pursue those things the seniors were highlighting."

I asked him how adults approaching middle age and older, can help to encourage godly attitudes and actions in the generations growing up behind them?

"Set the example you want them to follow," Bob answered. "Take time to get involved in their lives, especially by seeking to understand their world and their thoughts.

"Keep the gospel central to your conversation?the amazing fact that Jesus, the son of God, came to die in our place for our sins, so that we might be reconciled to God and enjoy his presence forever.

"Help them apply the Word of God to their lives in every day situations.
Resist sinfully judging their motives before you fully understand their situation.

Don't be afraid to challenge outright sin."

Bob Kauflin is also a pastor, songwriter, worship leader, and author with over thirty years experience. His first book, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God, was published by Crossway in 2008. Bob blogs at www.worshipmatters.com. and hosts the WorshipGod conference. He and his wife, Julie, have 6 children and an ever growing number of grandchildren.