Right Where You Are

I reviewed the book "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris some time ago, which you may read here. I really liked the book, and was especially impressed by their message that teenagers don't have to be rebellious, wild, irresponsible, and feared; rather they can learn that life is not about them and use this time in their lives to prepare for adulthood and serve others. I appreciated the first book for the foundation and the vision.

I recently read the sequel, "Start Here", which I actually liked even more. It is more practical and seems to hone some of the ambitions and fires that might have been lit by the first book. They continue their message that "As young people, we're in the season of preparation. Our main focus during this season is to prepare for mature, effective adulthood: work, marriage, family, service to others, leadership, and ministry" (13). But they also give some excellent advice and guidance regarding the spirit in which one should do hard things in addition to just nuts and bolts of getting it done.

There were three main points that stood out to me as things that are great for teens (and even us parents!) to realize:

• It's about God, do it for Him, not self or pride or acclaim.

It can be tempting to start thinking about self and the glory we can gain by 'accomplishing' some big thing. But ultimately "we're doing hard things to glorify God and become more of who He created us to be" (6). The hard things God calls us to do are about Him, not us" (18). I especially liked the thought that it is God working through us more than it is us working for God. They said it better with "The history of David is not about what David did for God, but about what God did for David. Our humanistic dream is that we may do great things for God" (53).

• Do what is in front of you right now, don't go out creating something 'big'.

"You don't have to engineer something--you can trust Him, be faithful, and be ready for His timing" (6). Sometimes it's hard to be content with doing the "small" thing that is right in your path. One can be tempted to manufacture an opportunity that seems bigger and more productive, but the Harris brothers caution teens to "be faithful in what He's already given us to do, not embark on a big new adventure" (7). The seemingly little things will help one to grow and develop talents to prepare for the next thing that will naturally occur. "Start with a new attitude, a new heart, and a mind open to how the everyday hard things available to you right now will lead you to the next step" (9).

• Be an example, not an exception, and don't seek disapproval.

I was especially struck by this encouragement as it can be tempting to merely assume the role of being an exception to the rebellious teen stereotype--indeed, one might even be tempted to take pride in that difference. The Harris brothers remind us that "we are called by God to be examples, not exceptions. The message of the Rebelution is that all young people have the ability to accomplish far greater things than our culture would have them think. We live a different way to show our culture a better way" (62). It seems the distinction here would be in inspiring and drawing others to also live for God, not standing alone or (dare I say?) above.

This concept segued nicely into the martyr complex chistians can have about 'being different'. Just as I don't think my mission should be to be popular, neither should my mission be to alienate those who don't share my beliefs. "Jesus and the apostles did not seek the disapproval of others. . .Romans 12:18. . .We live to draw others to God. . .Am I being persecuted because I am doing something for God or because I am being a difficult person to live with? Am I holding on to my cause so tightly that I can't see how it is hurting others, or are my actions showing others who God is? Am I more interested in what God thinks of me than in whether I am popular or unpopular?" (99) I think we all have known people who say others don't like them because of lifestyle choices they are making for Christ, and you really want to say 'No, it's not WHAT you're doing, it's HOW you're doing it.'

There were many, many other excellent points in the book. They shared ideas on involving others in your vision and projects, fundraising tips, and questions to ask yourself to realize your dreams and abilities. They talked about a season of preparation and living intentionally ("Putting God at the center of our lives does not mean we live perfectly. It means we live intentionally. And it will cost us something" (66)). I'll try not to extend this review any more, but encourage you to read these books yourself as there are principles that can be applied regardless of age.

I'll leave you with one last idea, which could produce a post of its own. Sometimes we have to examine what we are doing and discern "the difference between busyness (having a lot to do) and fruitfulness (accomplishing something of eternal significance)" (55). "Even good activities might not be the best activities for a particular season of life" (57).

May I be discerning and choose the best over the good so I can be fruitful in the kingdom.