Does the term “Christian” mean what type of church you go to?
I would hope you answered NO, or we have just wasted the last 6 years together!
What does it mean to “follow Jesus”?
Think about it. When you are playing a video game with friends, or following people on
Instagram, or stories on Snap Chat, you have no idea where this will lead you. I have sat and
watched my son play Call of Duty, live. He and his friends are all snuggled in their own homes,
not able to see one another, all clad in their headsets, yet following each other around through
streets and buildings trusting in each other. If you are following someone on Instagram or
looking at someone’s Snap Chat story, you have no idea what you are going to find but you are
willing to follow along and see what is there. Do you trust enough to follow Jesus? The real
question is “do you follow in His way”?
In Jesus’ life he did things that some considered odd, he served others. He helped those less
fortunate, He helped those that weren’t popular, He helped those that were hungry, sick and
living a life of sin. Have you taken the time this school year to step out of your comfort zone,
your circle of friends, and do something for someone else? Look for a way to serve, to follow in
His way. Here are some ideas:
 If you see someone sitting by themselves at lunch, invite them to eat at your table. I
know Mr. Walter won’t let people move, but ask Mr. Walter and he should be ok with it.
I would guess that each lunch period you get your tray and enter the cafeteria, you scan
the room looking for your friends. Maybe consider scanning the room to see if someone
is alone. Your friends are together and will see that you have chosen to sit at another
table with someone that isn’t usually in your friend group. Hopefully your friends will
inquire of you later why you did what you did. You don’t have to throw all kinds of
“Jesus talk” in their face, just explain your feelings. If they are a good person, this act
should be contagious. I’m not asking you to abandon your friends every day. If others
see you making sure no one is alone, they should do the same, and at some point, there
will never be a kid alone.
 In the classroom, if you have your homework done and you know one of your
classmates is struggling, ask if they would like assistance. Simply say “That wasn’t as
easy as I thought it would be but I believe I’ve got it. Would you like some help?”
Okay, you don’t have to say exactly that, as Emerson reminds me often, “Mom, you and
I do not talk the same”.
 If you are with your group of friends, and the ringleader (let’s face it, there is always
one kid that runs the group) is not kind to someone, do not follow along. It is so easy
to get caught up in the funny things your friends do but if it is at the expense of
someone else, it often times is very painful for the other person (even if they laugh,
inside they are hurting). If the ringleader realizes you, and hopefully your other friends,
no longer support him abusing others, this activity may stop. It’s ok to be a follower,
make sure you are following in the way of Jesus.
 If you are the “ringleader” of a group of friends, then you owe it to your friends to be a
great example. Putting others down, being downright nasty is never acceptable. You’re
in the 7th grade. You should have reached a maturity level by now where you realize
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the difference between being a nice person and being mean (just a heads up, being
mean is a sign of cowardice).
The simple act of holding a door for someone is one of the most powerful, unspoken
signs of kindness (and being a servant) EVER!
MANNERS! Simply put, you are all old enough to possess manners. Do not reserve
them for when you are 16-years-old and are in your girlfriend/boyfriends house to pick
them up and you want to impress the parents. We live in a small town, we all know
which kids have good manners and which do not. Your display of good manners now
will pay you back huge when you are older.
Do something nice for your parents. This is not an optional activity! Do not tell them
you have to do something nice for them because Mrs. Nichols said so. Good grief. Help
fold laundry (especially the whites, they’re the worst), clean up after supper, set your
alarm and actually get out of bed when it goes off. Find something that you know is not
your parent’s favorite chore, yet they do it for you all the time, and do it for them.
I’m not going to beg you to please consider following in Jesus’ way. But consider this, if
you don’t follow in His way, who are you following? It isn’t hard.
Kneel and say a prayer for your family and ask Jesus for forgiveness for the times you
may have hurt the feelings of others.
Today is World Peace Day. Start today and bring some
life.
peace into someone else’s
You may leave the church quietly after you have prayed. Have a great week!