Are you being intentional?

It was the morning from Hell, but I will hand it to them, they loved Jesus. I couldn't wait to get out of the car, not for the sake of walking through those heavy, glass doors, but because I needed to get out so I wouldn't have to listen to my stupid parents argue over who spent what when. I don't care! I'm in 10th grade!

Slamming the car door, I remembered my mom yelling something about picking me up, but I didn't care what she had to say. Soon my anger faded into fear as I peered into a crowd with a size I never thought possible. How did all these kids know each other? How long have these kids gone here? I gave a fake smile to some older people who walked by...what are they doing here? I thought this was for students. I thought maybe I will meet the youth pastor or someone I know, but that wasn't the case. I wish I knew at least one person who went here.

The music started about then, and it offered a slight reprieve. But I just opted to stand in the back. I thought about sitting, but where would I sit? Who would I sit by? I'm glad I stood in the back, it would have been weird to sit by someone I didn't know.

The songs were neat; I've never heard so many people sing about Jesus. I really liked listening, I mean, I didn't understand all the songs, but they were my favorite part. The guy that spoke was funny, not what I expected from a preacher guy. I didn't really understand a lot of it, but I was constantly wondering if I was going to get in trouble for standing in the back.

"This sucks. I wish I was back in the car listening to my parents argue," I muttered to myself, and that's when I realized this was truly the worst place I’ve ever been. That guy talked a lot about Jesus and he even said some encouraging things, but why do these people show up here every Sunday? I know I won't be.

I was relieved to have my parents pull up as I stood amongst a crowd of people all alone. Never have I been around so many people and felt so alone. Not one person ever said "hi" to me today. No one stopped to ask me my name, or what school I went to. I came here scared that people wouldn't leave me alone, but I'm pretty sure this is worse. I hate this place. These people already have their friends and cliques; why would they want to talk to me? I guess I don't blame them much.

Leaving that place, I realized I really wanted what those people had, but I had no idea how to get it. It would have been nice to meet one of them, or maybe for one of those older people to say hi to me. I wonder what we would have talked about? Would they have asked me about my parents? I wonder if they would have asked me my name? I guess even if they did, they wouldn't really remember me next time I showed up. They probably would have avoided me, even though I won't go back. But like I said, I know they loved Jesus, but why didn't they love me?

Some of this story is fictitious, but unfortunately some of it is true. Please note, this is not meant to rebuke anyone, rather this is meant to encourage us all to be intentional with students while we are at DBSM. This means sometimes we have to say “later” to our friends and chat with them at lunch. Sometimes it means we have to sit with kids we’ve never met. Sometimes it means we play pool the entire time. Sometimes it means we get a little “uncomfortable” ourselves for the sake of others.

Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 2:1 that “our coming to you was not in vain”. Paul was INTENTIONAL in his ministry and we should be to. He did not show up with no purpose and neither should we. Think about it, the greatest sacrifice we make is that of our time. So, why not use the time we’ve already committed to be INTENTIONAL? Tonight, be INTENTIONAL with each student you see, whether you know them or not. On Sunday, be INTENTIONAL with this kid who is standing in the back with her arms crossed waiting to leave. With your group, be INTENTIONAL with the questions you ask. We must be faithful and let God be good.