|
Finding Your Voice
With confidence and conviction the words rose in the auditorium.
”I will not be silent,
I will not be quiet anymore.”
As I looked into the eyes of the college students in the room that night, I recognized the anthem they were singing was more than a song. It was a declaration.
Seven hundred strong were agreeing with the songwriter as they asserted their desire to live boldly, proclaim unashamedly, and live a life surrendered and useful to their commander.
The scene has embedded itself in my mind not because I simply like the song (although I really do); that picture is forever with me because I caught a glimpse of the passion that the emerging generation has to be used by God.
The desire of those students was visible. They want to be mountain-movers, truth-proclaimers, narrow-path walkers, and sin-overcomers. They want to live for kingdom purposes and make eternal impact.
Young adults that understand the invitation Christ has offered them are not normal. They will not settle for a lukewarm faith and an apathetic approach to things spiritual. No, they are moving beyond casual Christianity as they embrace the lifestyle of the warrior.
They are not satisfied to crack a Bible simply to fulfill a daily duty; they read it to catch glimpses of God’s heart and to see his character fashioned in them. They long to live out the Scriptures that promise victory.
At the heart of their desires is a passion for God that drives them to live on purpose. They yearn to love what he loves. Hate what he hates. They want to align their lives with his plans (as opposed to have him bless theirs).
This zeal that motivates them and will not allow them to slip into mediocrity also has another effect. It will not allow them to go quietly into the night.
People of passion cannot be silent. They refuse to ignore the subtle messages that destroy lives, and they do not have the ability to keep the life-altering love of God to themselves.
Those twenty-somethings who declared their refusal to remain silent that night were giving voice to their strong desire to speak up—not because they have a selfish desire to be heard, but because they want God to be.
They fear silence that results in lives remaining in bondage and other lives being seduced into spiritual slavery.
There are times when silence would be easier either because of the ridicule that they know will ensue or the frustration that will come as illuminated truth is ignored. However, the passion for God’s principles and the dynamic power that backs his words do not allow people of passion to suppress what is in their heart.
Angry at the injustice, frustrated at the deceptions, with a heart for people, and a commitment to the message, warriors refuse to be silent.
Is it time you find your voice?
|
