In his latest book Linchpin, Seth Godin lets us know that "Revolutions are rare, which is why they always seem to take us by surprise." Like Nehemiah, I recently took a walk around the wall of my life and community and I discovered I did not like what I saw. The problems and images troubled me so much that I began to ask the question, "What am I really doing with my Christian walk?" For quite some time now, I have had a vision to do something different, to create something special, to start a revolution! Well, the time has come!
Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The truth is for many years I have been conforming to what others have expected of me. I dared not "rock the boat" for fear of being labeled a "rebel." When I received Christ at age 21 "they" told me you're supposed to act a certain way, quote the right scriptures, and then maybe one day God will call you into ministry and perhaps you will pastor a local church. Really?!!!
Don't misunderstand me, I love my church, my Pastor, and all of the men and women of God who have poured into my life, but I couldn't help but wonder, "Is this my destiny?" To my surprise my eyes were opened recently at a camp in Missouri called Kids Across America (K.A.A.). It was a revelation that had escaped my vision over the past 19 years, until now. Here it is -"Less is More." Now, the details of how this revelation came to me are not as important as the fundamental truths that are locked up in these three words. You owe it too yourself to really grasp what I am about to share with you in the next few lines.
Pastor and author Andy Stanley and others wrote about this principle in his book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. "The sobering truth is that many of us weaken our potential by investing too much time in the areas of our lives where we have the least potential....If you really want to make a lasting impact, then you need to eliminate what you do well for the sake of what you can potentially do best." What would happen if you and I "narrowed our focus" and made the choice to pour into the lives of one or two young people, consistently, over a period of time? We would achieve "Maximum Impact!"
Young People x Consistency = Maximum Impact
Time
This new blog spot is a forum for highlighting individuals across the nation who are making maximum impact in their communities by impacting the lives of young people. It will serve as a light of inspiration to those who are engaged in the battle to win back our youth from the trappings of this world, to their destiny in Christ. We encourage you send us your stories and pictures. It's time to start a revolution of change, one youth at a time! Join us!!
Shedrick D. Jones
