From my personal experience (minimal), the aftermath of church/youth camps, attending Christian conferences or 'hearing a real good sermon', is an interesting thing to assess.
Following my first ever youth camp in 2006 where I gave my life to Jesus for the first time on the 3rd of Jan, I came back from camp and literally could not hold my tongue in declaring that I was now a Christian. No measure of self consciousness, fear, shame or nervousness could stop me from proclaiming the love of God and his forgiveness. Even though I didn't know the Bible very well and was by no means an 'old' Christian, I knew that the forgiveness of my sins was enough motivation to speak up. I wasn't dictated by guilt and 'good deeds' but rather, I spoke as though a natural consequence of my professed faith in God.
But then fast-forward a little to things that have happened in the past 3 years since that camp,. Say... Hillsong conference, other church/youth camps, and 'awesome sermons'. And as I honestly reflect on these things, from very few of these events was I left much different from 'old self' after a few weeks. For example, during the particular sermon I was listening to, I'd be inspired to change my ways by a passionate speaker and would lift my hands in worship. But a week later, it'd seem everything was back to normal and it was back to the 'routine' of Christian life. In this routine, I knew deep-down that, as seen in Psalm 51, I needed a restoration in my delight of salvation.
Fast foward again to youth camp 09. Perhaps this was the camp I so desperately needed. Sam Low provided talks that challenged my heart and my ways. His manner was genuine and calm, yet forward and convicting (in a good way). In my final quiet time this morning at camp, I was able to jot down the things I'd learnt at camp...through sermons, through quiet times, through worship and through ministry times. And there was a lot of it.
The feeling I'm getting is that God is planting something that will count for the eternal not only in my life, but, as evidenced by the testimonies today, all members of Youth in the House. I guess in the past, you could say the problem was letting emotional words and happenings trick me into believing that I could simply come home after whatever 'church' event I'd come from, and I'd be a 'changed person'.
I know that isn't true now. I think that it starts with a decision. And in ministry time last night, the amount of people on their knees praying for God to change them was an awesome encouragement. But that's just the start.
Trusting in God so I can take steps to greater humility and obedience.
Being content with who I am, and knowing that I have every Spiritual blessing/gift necessary to serve God.
Realizing my sin is an offense to God, a complete insult to his Holy Name, confessing that sin to Him and turning my back on the old life.
Engaging in a 'Stand' against the devil with my spiritual Armour (as described in Ephesians 6).
Luke 9:23
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
I think what I've understood the most from this camp is the fact that I must take up my cross daily. I can't just wake up one morning and all of a sudden, I've completely turned my back on sin and am living life in tune with God's will. It doesn't work that way.
From ministry time, I've learnt that I musn't box God in, nor should I refrain from stepping out in faith just so I can have things easy.
Being given the privellege to lead worship was, I must admit, quite nerve-racking. But I really believe that my 'ability' as a worship leader will be determined by the life I live and my ability to 'deny myself' and take up my cross daily.
All these things I mention in a general sense, ('sin', 'humility')... so its up to me to actually reflect upon my own life and see how these truths from God's word directly apply to my life. Lust? Relationships with girls? General behavior and how I talk... do I differentiate myself from my non-Christian mates? SPEEDING? etc etc.
A week ago, I wouldn't have been able to say anything I've said above and this is testament to what God did in my spirit during camp. It's not going to be easy, it's not necessarily going to be on my terms and it's certainly not going to happen overnight. But finally, I feel that genuine desire to declare and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all and attempt for the least of these to live a holy and obedient life in Christ. I truly believe I'm on the brink of experiencing God's revolution.
