What Will You Do…?

As a child your parents undoubtedly told you when to go to bed, when to get up, what to wear and where to go. That’s the job of a mom and dad. And as a child, you did what your parents told you to do…or at least you should have.

But what happens when you grow past the point of being told…it’s time to brush your teeth and get ready for bed? What do I do when no one tells me to make my bed, will I? No one says, ‘pick up your clothes.’ Will I? For most young people today who are out on their own, they will eventually have to answer the questions. But to be honest, that’s only the beginning of the questions they’ll have to face. Outside of the hours they’re going to sleep or what they’re going to wear, they are faced with that first time realization of who am I going to be?

Who I am will be strongly determined by who my friends are. My choices in life will be closely linked with the influences and attitudes with which I associate. On Sunday, March 23rd, the sermon at Waterview church of Christ (Be Careful Who Your Friends Are) offered a strong understanding of this concept. (Click on the website to listen to it www.waterview.org.) From the earliest age of our children, we must help them decide what kind of friends they’ll have. Those early choices will eventually determine what kind of life they’ll live and what kind of ‘god’ they’ll serve. It is my strong opinion that the friends you choose will form the life you live. And the life you live will determine the God you serve. As our young people set their priorities, my prayer is that they will ask this one simple question; “What will I do?”

The question is not new, it’s been asked for generations. On an early morning over 2000 years ago this question was asked about our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was on trial before Pilate, and Pilate (being no friend of the Jewish leaders) was called upon to determine the fate of the “King of the Jews.” Since Pilate was a man of authority, he did what any legislator would do; he questioned, investigated, interviewed and then drew his conclusion. According to Luke chapter 23, verse 14 he said, “I have found no guilt in this man…” And, he knew what should be done with an innocent man; release him. But his decision was met with massive disapproval. Now consider this; have you ever made a thoughtful decision only to have your ‘friends’ disapprove? If the choice you make is godly, and your friends don’t like it…you might want to reconsider your friends. At the same time, if your decision is ungodly and yet your friends like it…still, you might want to reconsider your friends.

When the leaders of the Jewish people pushed back with their opinion concerning Jesus, Pilate broken down and asked the same question concerning the Messiah, “…what shall I do with Jesus?” (Matt. 27:22) Pilate’s decision is documented within the pages of the Bible, but the jury is still out with many of our young people today. Most have grown up in homes that give specific directions. They are taught and told what to do and when to do it. But as adults we all have to make the decision concerning life, friends and God!