One word could change the entire world, if we only knew how to apply it.
As we are working together to disciple teenagers into disciple makers our motivation is love for God and one another. Love is one of the most used and misused words in our language. It has been applied equally to stuff and people. “I love my girlfriend,” or “I love my Ipod,” the same word has totally different meanings. But what does it really mean?
In answer to the question, “Why are we better together?” love is the command that Jesus gives us. In Part 1 we looked at unity, Part 2 was equipping and now lets look at how Jesus wants us to love one another.
John 15: 11-15
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.” -The Message
Sacrifice
How simple would it be if we could just follow the command to love one another. However, this kind of love is not cupids and hearts, it is more like “Saving Private Ryan.” Jesus modeled love by laying his life down for those he called friends. And it was just as bloody as the movie! Love is not a transaction or an emotion, it is putting others first and building them up even if it means setting aside your own goals and ambitions.
From our local ministry network we have developed a youth leaders’ small group where we meet for building community and studying scripture. Over memorial day weekend our small group helped another youth pastor move out of their third story apartment. They had a 350 pound desk that was in their loft. We hoisted that beauty down 20 feet and then navigated a narrow stairwell. We laughed while we strained and grunted. That is love, giving time and strength to help another in need.
Friends
Jesus calls us friends not servants. Jim Britts, the network coordinator in my home town , said this, “You gotta be friends before you can partner.” As friends we check our logos and egos at the door. We meet together because we genuinely want to be together. By looking out for one another’s interests we become like-minded in our love for teenagers. When the students we work with see the love we have for other youth leaders from other churches and organizations they will know we are Christ followers. And they will model this love to those around them.
Joy
The purpose for love that Jesus gives us is seeing our joy grow up. He wants to have His joy, the “take joy even though I am going to the cross kind of joy.” It is based strongly in each network member understanding who they are in Christ and what He has done for them. And each member matures by being equipped in their God-given passion and role for multiplying disciples. As our joy matures, our network matures and the partnerships leads to more teenagers transformed by love.
In Chardon, Ohio a group of youth leaders decided to mature their joy and partnership. Out of their love for one another they chose to meet as one youth group. Youth leaders from multiple denominations equipped teenagers to share their ministry and interests and have their groups become one. This my not be for your area but there are so many possibilities that happen when are networks mature in love.
Action
This may date me but I remember the old DC talk song, “Luv is a verb.” So how can you act on the sacrifice, friendship and joy of love? Reach out to another youth worker in your community. Join a network if you have not already, Or start a network if there is not one in your area. And love one another…
Working Together 