Underr the Banyan Tree

I want you to think back to your childhood and specifically to your early church experience. Many of you attended Sunday school and other children’s activities as a child. If church attendance was not part of your childhood life then think about the elementary school you attended. Identify in your mind one or two memories that really stand out from all others in your childhood, whether good or bad. What is it that you remember the most about going to church or attending school?

Do you remember a particular Bible story or lesson from school that forever touched you? Do you recall a special event or field trip that was a top memory maker for you? Or was your most vivid memory a person? As we think about the defining moments of our life most often they center on a person.

Mine was Mr. Friedell, the Elementary Music Teacher and Choir Director at the church I attended. Although this man had a wife and two kids he always made time for the kids he taught. He always had a smile; was firm but fair; and seemed to see each kid as special in their own way. At least he did to me and my brothers. My fondest memories of him were Christmas caroling every year as we all piled into his van.

The realization that much of whom we are the result of the investment of others is what this blog is all about. So let me ask you this: what life are you investing into today? What person are you making a difference in? Does someone come quickly to mind? My prayer is it’s youth centered.

2 Timothy 2:2. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

This verse is a summary of what Paul has been saying all along to Timothy. You were entrusted with a mission…so complete the mission. Timothy was wavering and Paul is directly calling him to finish his job to complete his mission. Timothy is then to entrust them to other faithful men who in turn will complete the cycle and entrust them to others.

Recently, I had the joy of vacationing in Hawaii. I discovered a tree that grows in the tropics called a Banyan Tree. This is a tree whose property it is to plant itself.  As it grows, roots shoot out of its arms to strengthen and branch out new trees. I posted a picture of a Banyan tree at the top of this page.

Our church must have this nature to plant itself. Spread its arms throughout Florida and bring forth new life in Christ. The Banyan Tree is a good picture of God’s call to us to be investing in the lives of people to the point where the original source becomes difficult to see.

We must teach the youth.

Can you imagine our church investing into the life of one person? Can you imagine a neighbor child finding Christ in the midst of a dysfunctional family? Can you imagine a struggling young adult discovering true manhood or womanhood? Can you imagine our children learning to manage their money God’s way?

Investing in the next generation will make demands on our time, energy and resources. The next generation needs to know as well that the work will be demanding. But remember: It’s Christ and His work that drives us forward. The work ahead is not so much about us as it is about Christ. When we remove our eyes from him, our eyes tend to wander back toward ourselves. In those and all moments, remember it’s all about Christ.

We endure not because the work is always enjoyable but because it is significant. An investment in the next generation.

It matters in eternity.

It matters to God Himself.