Who We Are Matters More Than What We Do

In a culture constantly emphasizing experiences and accomplishments, we can’t help but want our teens to have fun and attempt great things, too. At the same time, we hope they will push back against idolizing what they’re doing (for the gram!) and instead prioritize who they are becoming. We relate to the Apostle Paul and his fervent exclamation: “My dear children. . .I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19) More than anything, we pray that the teens under our charge will become more like Jesus as he changes them from the inside out.

Of course, there is great opportunity for this to happen during the regular teaching and discipling in youth ministry. However, in the last post, we suggested some ways to specifically help teens prepare for a youth missions trip. In a circumstance like that, it will be especially easy for them to get caught up in the experience and forget that God intends the trip to be just as much about their growth in Christlikeness. 

Below are a few resources we’ve researched and hope will be a helpful starting place as you seek to work with the Spirit forming Christ in your youth.

Be Kind – 30 Devotions for Developing the Heart God Desires (by Lifeway Students)
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/be-kind-teen-devotional-P005831548 

Fueled – Spiritual Disciples Jesus Practiced and Taught (by Lifeway Students) https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/fueled-teen-devotional-P005833487

Presence and Purpose – The Mission of Jesus in the Book of Acts (by Lifeway Students)
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/presence-and-purpose-teen-devotional-P005833730

Next Up – 8 Shifts Great Young Leaders Make (by Jonathan Pearson)
https://www.moodypublishers.com/next-up/

10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity (by Rebecca McLaughlin)
https://www.crossway.org/books/10-questions-every-kid-should-ask-and-answer-tpb/