Horizon Summer Camp Musings: How We’re Called To Be Influencers For Christ

A few weeks ago I returned from staying the week up in the North Carolina mountains for a church summer camp. I’ve grown up going to this camp every summer, and each year it feels more and more like a second home. There’s nothing quite like worshipping with a community on fire for the Lord in the respite of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I had some of the most meaningful, impactful conversations of the week with friends and leaders at 2:00 a.m., sitting on rocking chairs and eating fudge popsicles. I look forward to spending quality time with good friends, growing in my love for the Lord, and resting from the business of life. There were many takeaways throughout the week, and one impactful takeaway for me was a phrase that a pastor shared (shoutout to Brad!) – ‘be the standard’.

He reminded and challenged me to be the example, the standard, of how a Jesus-pursuing youth acts. Everything we say and do is a reflection of who we are in Christ, and we are given the greatest opportunity to be a witness for Him. Actions speak louder than words ever will; a teacher that I look up to (shoutout Mrs. Willard!) once said this: “preach the gospel, use words only when needed.” We can be leaders and role models in the church, which comes with responsibility, but oh so much joy and privilege.

When we acknowledge and repent of our sin and accept Jesus as our Savior, our broken hearts are hidden behind in His perfect sacrifice, and we take on His identity. Because we are in Christ, we should seek to glorify God in all we do, and especially as youth, we are called to set the tone for the church. What would happen if we lived out that calling? What if we were the hands and feet of Jesus and served others selflessly? Our mission is to tangibly show the love of Christ from the biggest to the smallest of ways, all to point others back to the cross (remember that we cannot save others, only the Holy Spirit can change others’ hearts and convict them).

A role model is someone others look up to as an example and look to for advice, help, and friendship. As a role model in the church, we can set a godly example by worshipping with our heart and mind, focused on praising the Lord and glorifying Him. By joining bible studies or small groups, we can strengthen relationships within our church community while also growing our relationship with the Lord. Have you ever thought about the fact that we are influencers in a sense? Our sphere of influence is our church community, school community, sports teams, neighborhoods, and anywhere we go. Jesus doesn’t call all of us to be social media stars or motivational speakers with huge audience, but rather Jesus calls us to influence the people He has put into our lives for His glory. What an amazing calling!

Titus 2:7-8 “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.”

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

From the morning devotionals to the evening session times, this Jesus-centered summer camp inspired, excited, challenged, and convicted me, and reminded me of the truth and mission of the good news. I encourage you to ask God to bring people into your life that you can witness to and share the gospel with.

Warmly,

Seabrook