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Glee

So I began watching Glee. I know! I know! A bit slow on the whole youth culture thing here. It has been running since 2009 in the States, just another indication of how behind we in South Africa might be (or should I say me?). Yes, I can hear all the DSTV people saying, “I have been watching it for a while dude!” and don’t talk about all the illegal watchers (we know who we are!).

So, what were my first impressions when watching this?

Well, youth culture! That is what I was thinking. Even though we may be far removed from the States and even the rest of the world, we are certainly not far removed when it comes to youth culture. I could easily identify with much of what was happening on Glee with that of our youth in SA.

  1. Peer pressure
  2. Relationships
  3. Sexuality & gender confusion
  4. Drugs
  5. Sexual abuse
  6. Broken & dysfunctional families
  7. Future Goals
  8. Image & self-esteem
  9. Bullies
  10. Marital challenges (in the case of the teacher Mr Schultz)

And all of this in the pilot episode!

Here the big challenge lies for us irrespective of the country we may be living in, are we listening to what our young people are saying? Whether they say it audibly or through their actions. Do we take time out from our busy schedules and actually listen? Or should I say, “will we”? What are the solutions that we offer to them?
Globalization really has come around at an all deafening pace, to keep up is simply a miracle. To all those who are working with young people. To the youth pastors, youth leaders, youth workers, dedicated teachers, parents, I salute you! Lord knows it is no easy job.
 Jesus says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
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Doing God’s will

So Jesus Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane just before being arrested and going on trial and then to be crucified, was found kneeling and begging God to remove this cup from him. What cup you might ask? The act of dying on the cross for us as humans that it may be possible to have a relationship with God. But he then concludes saying not his will but God’s will be done.

 

Wow! Jesus asked God for something that was beyond his will and he knew what he was asking for! Sjoe! Isn’t that hectic? I mean we are so hung up on the fact that as people we must always ask God’s will and here Jesus Christ knew he was asking God for something that was not in his will. Sure you might say but in the end he said God’s will be done and not his, he must have conceded that he was wrong. But if he was, why then did he ask God this very thing three times?

 

I do think that Jesus was overwhelmed by his humanity and his humanity took over at his greatest point of need. I also think he shows that it is okay to ask God for things, anything. We don’t always have to ask according to his will, I mean who knows what God’s will is? Beside us accepting Christ, and becoming like God through worshipping him and the great Commission. What is his will for your life?

 

God’s will for your life is to become somebody that he wants you to become, whatever that may be. And that there should be no shame when asking Him for things. We should not become or aspire to become something because it is the general Christian belief and that we will be outside of God’s will. If God puts two options, two opportunities before you, what would be his will for you in that matter?

 

My answer, it doesn’t matter! As long as you have seeked Him in prayer. God has already answered that prayer by giving you the skill, the experience and the desire to pursue either one. Either would be the right decision and nothing would surprise God.

 

So please, pray before you leap. Don’t wait 40 years before making a decision, you can make the decision. And do not be afraid to ask God what your heart desires.