On numerous occasions, I've heard students use the expression "Get Real!" or "For Real?" in their conversations.  In each, there is a challenge.  The first declares someone to live up to what they are saying; while, the second asks for proof of their statement.  Students today are longing for that which is real.  They have grown up in fantasy and virtual realities practically everyday of their lives.  Many have learned from parents and friends how to be fake so successfully that this lifestyle is the norm.  Yet, our God is REAL and He desires for His followers to be real.  How do we know this and how can we live this?  Check out the rest of this article...

   Our God we know is the only one who can Remove sin from our lives.  We cannot no matter how hard we try.  John declared in his gospel, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29.)  God sent Jesus to be our Savior.  We are to confess our sins to God and He promises to forgive and "...purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9.)  Then as we grow, we can help others remove their sins by being a real friend that shares the Good News and seeks God's best for them.

   We must not forget that God is Eager for us to know Him.  He desires relationship with His people.  He did not create robots but people with hearts and souls that long for community and relationship.  When we read His word and pray, we begin to understand more who God is and what He desires.  His will becomes our will; His goals become our goals.  People see this change and respond to us because they can sense we care as we try in a genuine way to get to know them.

   Furthermore, God Acts on our behalf.  We can all quote John 3:16 but do you know what John 3:17 states?  "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (John 3:17.)  He did not leave us to die in our sin but prepared a way for us to live abundantly here on this earth and eternally one day in His Heaven.  So many take notice when we act on their behalf through service, faithfulness, encouragement, and love.  They are so accustomed to exactly the opposite that when we do these things, they begin to discover a real God on whom they can depend and trust.

   Above all, remember God Loves us unconditionally.  He loves us regardless of what we have done or who we are.  That famous Apostle Paul declared, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners---of whom I am the worst" (1 Timothy 1:15.)  I am sure all of us are "the worst" in some way; still, God loves us.  And He commands us to share this same love with others.  It is not counterfeit or fake but real and authentic.  When we demonstrate this kind of love, we are living up to what we are saying and proving God is REAL.  My challenge to you just like to our students is BE REAL!

Keep the Faith,

Don

 

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Faith Keepers - Student Ministries