Too often as Christians we fall into the trap of thinking that the ultimate objective is to become a better person. Church becomes a self-help group to 'get my life back on track' or 'get my God time for the week'. Recently, I spoke at an Asian American Youth Conference with Jean Kung: IVCF staff @ Wash U. The conference was hosted by Chinese Christian Church in STL and organized by one of the IV SLU students. We challenged the students to have a relationship with God; the real God, not the system of laws or rules that they have to follow that we often percieve as God. Friday we used marriage and dating as an analogy to approach Tim Keller's "Three Ways to Live":
1) irreligious: life apart from God; 'I am the master of my own life'
2) religious: seeing God as law; 'I obey so I am accepted'
3) gospel: worshiping the true God; 'I am accepted so I obey'
Over 30 people attended the conference including counselors / small group leaders. Jean and I returned the next day to lead them in a workshop; there had been a lot of teaching the other days in the retreat so we decided to give them a little practical workshop time to learn how to connect with God in ways that perhaps they hadn't. We led them in a time of seeking God from where they are including listening to Him, looking at how he's working in your life now, and just spending time with Him in general.
After the workshops many students had some great questions and struggles that I believe are excellent signs that they are well on their way to owning their faith. Thank you for your prayers!
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