Time Out: Weekly quiet times for the youth worker’s soul.
(by Adam Wormann)

There are two things in our house that can cause arguments at bedtime (my kids are 5 and 3). The first is the Spider-Man pajamas. These aren’t just pajamas, the shirt look’s like spider-man’s, and it has this really cool black web thing that goes from the elbow area, all the way down to the side by your ribs. Trust me, they’re awesome. The other thing is the Yankee blanket that I got for Christmas. Every night, both kids want to have it. First of all, it represents the greatest baseball team (and arguably sports team) in history. Second, it’s really, really comfy. Usually with both of these, we just alternate night to night, so everything’s fair.

Two nights ago, the older son had it, and I was just going to let it go, because nobody was complaining. That’s usually the best idea, don’t start an issue when there isn’t anything that needs to be addressed. I heard my older son on the bottom bunk say “It’s the right thing to do.” I looked at him, and he said it again. Then he said “Cole, here. You can have the Yankee blanket tonight.” Then Cole said “Thanks Owen!” The exchange was made. I was so proud of the kid, because he chose the right thing do to for no other reason. He’s 5 and has it down better than I often do in my 30’s.

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

One of the really cool things in this passage is how Paul points to the past and future, God’s wild love and grace, and then how we should live in light of these things. In verse 10, he really captures it. We’re created to do good works because of the cross (not to get there). Because of the love that God has for me, the grace he gave to me, and the mercy he showed me, I’m to be full of good works. I should be seeking out what’s good, what’s noble, what’s loving. Sometimes I not only ignore searching out these good things to do, but also ignore the opportunities as they come. My five year old does these things, I miss it. Sure, he doesn’t get it all the time, but when he does, it sure is convicting.

So, what are you seeking out that is good? What benefits your neighbor? Humanity? Do people see the love of Christ in you because of the extravagant love and good deeds that you consequently have for others?

Adam Wormann is a Youth Pastor at Sayre Woods Bible Church in Old Bridge, NJ where he’s been serving for the past 8 years. He is also one of the mentors at Life in Student Ministry and the editor of the “Time Out” series. You can stalk him on Twitter and Facebook.

Posted on January 17, 2011