YOURSELF GOD By Chareá Batiste 6 INSPIRATION TODAY


FINDING


Without Losing


On this particular Sunday morning, church was good as usual. On the other hand, I noticed something fairly unusual. I was one of the few people in their 20’s still attending my church.


Maybe this was simply a


coincidence? No...because when I attended state church functions, I noticed the same thing. Without any problem, I was able to find the seasoned saints, the middle-aged crowd and a ton of youth. But as for the 20 and 30 year olds, I could only count them on one hand! Why does the church have


such low attendance from this specific age group? Since I still regularly attend church, I wondered what it was that had made my peers slowly drift away. This article explores a few of the honest and candid reasons why some 20 and 30 year olds have done so.


Inspiration Today: “Why did you stop attending church?”


Kelly*: “When I went back to my old church, they were still talking about the same thing, like forgiveness. I don’t have problems with forgiveness. What I need is something that’s gonna help me, like programs to improve people -- help me manage my finances or get in shape. The church isn’t doing that. I want to start going to church again, but I need more than what they’ve been preaching about.”


Nancy*: “I made a mistake and had a baby as an unmarried young woman. When I went back to church, everybody just looked down on me. I felt so uncomfortable and judged.”


Inspiration Today: “As you get older, do you stop believing what you’ve been taught about what’s right and wrong?”


Thomas*: “When I was a kid, I was forced to go to a church service almost every night. I never had time to do my homework or anything. Once I became an adult, I could decide when and if I wanted to go to church. I wasn’t forced to go anymore and it felt like a relief.”


Michelle*: “I know what’s right and wrong. But I don’t want to be a hypocrite. Either I’m going to live saved or I’m not. Right now, I’m doing my own thing. Eventually, I know I will make my way back to church. But I like to drink and club. I don’t want to do that and then go to church on Sunday.”


Justin*: “We believe in God. And we know our Christian roots. In church though, everything is black and white. But life’s not like that. Am I going to hell if I like having a drink every now and then, or if I don’t go to church every Sunday? I don’t think so, but lots of church people do.”


Inspiration Today:


“Do you worry about yourself spiritually? What if you’re doing your own thing and then it’s too late?”


Chris*: “I guess we don’t think that’s really going to happen to us. We know we’re not living right, but we’ll come back to church at some point.”


Tina*: “People go off to college and want to find who they are. They’re figuring themselves out.”


Inspiration Today: “But why lose yourself trying to find yourself?”


Kenya*: “Because you’ll always INSPIRATION TODAY 7


find your way back home.”


So what can be done about this dilemma? First, church communities must reach out to this age group, or they will seek fulfillment elsewhere. Church can be more relevant while still affirming holiness. Setting up a ministry specifically for this generation is one way to start. Secondly, we must realize


that it’s normal for young adults to search for their identity and personal beliefs, as well as feel enticed by the cares of this world. But how can they handle these conflicting feelings, while not giving up their salvation? Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Earlier, I asked “Why lose yourself?” But I now realize that’s exactly what we must do. We have to lose our “self”, die to our flesh and submit to God’s will. We must take our wants and beliefs and line them up with God’s Word. In keeping a close relationship with Him, we will be able to hear His voice, know His plans and stand firm in the face of confusion, distractions, and tempta- tions. Finally, Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” The answer, then, is not find- ing yourself without losing God; but losing your “self” while finding God.


*Names have been changed in this article.


Chareá Batiste is an aspiring missionary at Greater Victory Temple in Seaside, CA where her Pastor is Bishop W.W. Hamil- ton, Jurisdictional Prelate and General Board Secretary.


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