Reach my School

RADICAL NEW WAYS TO REACH MY SCHOOL

February 20, 2006

If we only focus on our actions, we miss the 90% of us that really makes up who we are: our character.

At first glance, icebergs are enormous. These floating, frozen mountains can take your breath away and shock you with their sheer mass. Yet what is most surprising still remains unseen.

Beneath the surface of the water, the true character of the iceberg emerges. You see, only 10% of this goliath-sized ice cube is above water. The rest, the 90% that most people never see, is out of sight. Yet this 90% is what sunk the Titanic.

The tip of the iceberg is nothing compared to what lies beneath. And so it is with our lives and our ability to impact others. You see, people only see 10% of our lives: our actions. Yet if we only focus on our actions, we miss the 90% of us that really makes up who we are: our character.

If we want to reach others and radically impact our school, we must first focus on the foundation of who we are. Here are three proven strategies you can take to build a solid foundation of character that will propel you into a life of powerful ministry.

SUITED WITH THE SWORD

In order to speak the word of God to others, you must first have it inside yourself. Ephesians 6:17 refers to the word of God as the sword of the Spirit. But what does this mean? Quite literally, the Bible is a weapon against the enemy, Satan. It is the only thing that will defeat and destroy his lies.

Planting the Word of God in yourself is the first action you must take in order to impact the lives of others. David said in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (NIV). Reverend Van Crouch said, "The word of God you put in when you don't need it comes out when you do." Start today by memorizing at least one scripture, and memorize one more every day for the next week.

FULLY ENGAGED, NEVER ENTANGLED

Soldiers, once enlisted, no longer participate in civilian affairs. In 2 Timothy 2:4, Paul writes, "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer" (NIV). Those who choose to enlist in this battle choose to fight, not shop, and train to win wars, not videogames.

In order to change others, your mind must be engaged in the battlefield. Wandering minds and idle hands are not characteristics of a soldier at war. Pray and ask the Lord to show you what activities or habits of yours are distracting you from the battle at hand. Commit to turn away from those things, and talk with your friends and/or parents about your commitment.

Distractions are everywhere, but learning to stay focused and alert is key.

PERSISTENT PERSEVERENCE

Paul understood the meaning of perseverance. In the midst of extreme odds and opposition, he said, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14, NIV). He chose to press on no matter what the circumstances. Reaching your school with the message of Christ takes the same constant drive and dedication.

Perseverance practiced in weak areas of your life will result in well-developed strengths. James 1:3-4 states, "...the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (NIV). Watch for those times in your life when you just want to give up. It may be a little brother or sister that always annoys you or kids at school that always get on your nerves. When you feel like it can't get any worse, make the decision to continue living a lifestyle of love, no matter what it takes.

Becoming an unshakable and unstoppable example of Christ to reach your school requires a devoted unseen lifestyle - the 90% below the water that nobody ever sees. Once this is in place, the 10% that people can see will be a truly influential force that impacts the lives of many.

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