Legacy and a depraved generation

I spent the weekend supervising my church Bible Quiz team. I am in charged of looking over 9 boys.

I must admit, I am not good with kids. I don't enjoy them too much. Surprisingly the weekend, I had a very enjoyable time. I am very thankful that God gave me the opportunity to be able to work in this ministry.

Despite being a triathlete, I can see the competitive similarity between Bible Quiz tournament and triathlon. The constant training, the mundane training, the discipline that is pour out on one day. That I could related with the kids. I use my similar experience to encourage them.

And the tournament was intense. I was coaching for a few teams and keeping score. The kids quickly call me to have a 'Iron' prayer with them.

Just seeing the kids jumping and answering were incredible...

I can say it is fun. It was. At the same time, I am very grateful God is able to give me this opportunity to serve. The experience gave me more reflection on what legacy needed to be leave behind.

Tonight over coffee, me and another brother was talking about the weekend. I was saying, the kids' generation (age 13-17), their culture, morally, don't know from their right from wrong.

The boys were discussing about masturbation. I was not angry at the kids for saying this. In fact, it is a clear reminder of where the culture has declined to. It reminds me of the book of Judges where the Israelites forgotten their ways.

In the brief weekend, I was able to connect with kids which normally I would not talk to at church. I know a few of their names. I know what they like and don't like. They know I have done an Ironman. They know I had a liver transplant (I was showing them my scars).

One kid, in particular, asked me about cancer and transplant experience. He is quite rowdy. But the weekend, I can see how his behavior changes.

The questions asked were clearly a sign that he wanted to get to know more about me. A relationship that could transform into a discipleship.

Without proper role model, they will not be heading that direction. Role models they will find. Either through media or through the church.

We need to teach them the Word. The Truth. Just as Joshua was commanded by God before crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 1:8-9):

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

In Philippians's 1:15-16, it says:

15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 6as you hold out^[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

As Christians. We are the last line of defense. Generation after generation, morals are declining. And we are call to stem the tide. We are to shine like stars.

Whenever I sing the song, Give Us Clean Hands, I wonder a lot when I sing these lyric:

So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

I asked myself, am I being transformed by the Holy Spirit to become a generation that seeks the face of God of Jacob? This song is a reminder of what we are convicted to become.

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Side note: A while back, I was telling a brother that the majority of the ministry I served in was to build relationships to know the church as my community. I just see how God was able to answer that request in a short weekend.