Unity
by Brandy Webb
I just got back from a week-long camp with a bunch of teens. I am so exhausted. Teenagers are full of endless energy. I cannot wait for the day that I will no longer become tired, but alas, I must wait until God’s kingdom comes for that to happen. However, despite my exhaustion the camp was an awesome experience. It is always enjoyable to see how the body of Christ moves even within our youth.
Our theme this year was “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11 NIRV). The teens this year lived this scripture. Not just in energy, but in working together, also. They helped each other out in a scavenger hunt, and helped other teams find clues. They assisted when someone got hurt. Thankfully there were no serious injuries. They gave each other moral support when called upon to pray. They encouraged each other and looked out for each other.
One of my favorite things that we had this year was the use of Ipads for the kids to develop a video based on any scripture in Romans 12. We separated all them into four groups. All the videos were unique.
What was really interesting was to watch them work together in unity. Each person brought their own ideas and talents. However, instead of causing contentions and strife, they listened to each other. They treated each other with respect. They worked together as a body. Just like we all are to do as Christians. Each teen had their own unique talents to bring to the table. Some were great at coming up with a script, others at acting, others at editing, and others at filming, etc.
They listened and communicated well. Not one person did just one thing. The writer would help with editing, the editor would help with brainstorming, and so on. The point is that they worked together, and not one person tried to steal the limelight. It was really neat to have witnessed how well they treated each other. In my opinion they fulfilled Romans 12:3-6:
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them….
We must strive to make sure we also work together in unity regardless of our different talents and personalities. I hope and pray that all of us never let the fire go out. We need our youth and they need us. So, let us remember to always be “devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10).