Come Alongside Them and Guide Them

Saturday, November 22

Judges 16:26 (NKJV)

“Then Samson said to the lad who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars which support the temple, so that I can lean on them.”

Devotion

In Pastor Franklin's message this week, he spoke of Samson being led by a young boy to stand between the pillars, so he could lean on them. Because he could not see where he was going, he needed help. Samson could have asked someone else, but he chose a younger boy—someone who was more willing to help a captured prisoner. This younger boy was not as hardened as the older Philistines were; he was more willing to help an older man who was helpless.

The older generations need to build up and support the younger generation. Like the song by Steve Green says, "May all who come behind us find us faithful." The only way they will know about God is if they are told, if the time is spent to teach them about God, and model how a real Christian should speak and act. When they see the older generation reading the Bible and praying, when they see them praising Him with all their heart, then they will be more willing to give their lives over to Him.

We cannot just speak to the younger generation and then expect them to follow if we aren't sincere and real. We cannot just live for God on Sundays and for the devil the rest of the week. Young people can tell whether you're being a fake or not. So don't tell them to do something and then fail to do it yourself. They need to see the real thing. Set them on fire for the Lord and then let them go. Let them do things their own way; don't dampen their enthusiasm and zeal.

They can reach others their own age even better. They know and understand the dangers and evils facing them better, and they can help others their own age escape the snares of the devil. Our job is to teach, admonish, and encourage them in their walk—not to discourage them. If we don't tell them and show them about God, then we will lose the younger generation. It is the younger ones, like Charlie Kirk, who can make a difference in this world.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, for being the best example I could have for living a godly life. As I follow You, I ask that You cause me to be an inspiration to others. May they see Your forgiveness and mercy, as well as Your strength, righteousness, and deliverance. I pray that I reflect Your glory as I am inwardly transformed day by day. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

Apply It Today

Read Luke 16:10. Faithfulness is a trait of a good leader. It takes time and proving to lead well. Others may see your struggles, but they will also see your victories. If you persevere to live a godly life, you will find blessing. You will inspire those around you and remove their excuses that it cannot be done. May our lives be a solid testimony of the life of Christ, which then gives weight to our words when we speak.

Resources

• Looking for practical guidance, inspiration, and wisdom to navigate life and leadership? Subscribe to the Mentoring Moments podcast on YouTube and your favorite podcast streaming platforms, and let every episode mentor you toward your next breakthrough!

• Mentors, stay in the loop! Check the Free Chapel Events Calendar to discover monthly activities and opportunities to connect with our young adults and youth.