This summer will be my 20th high school reunion. I used to think those people were old. Now, spring chickens – still wet behind the ears – just a bunch of pups – but sore when we get up off the floor. Anyway, one of my classmates recently created a website where the members of my graduating class could post a short biography and picture so we can all get an idea of where everyone is at in life. You know, kind of catch up and pre-brag before we actually get a look at all the gray hair and enlarged waistlines when we see each other face to face this summer.
About 40 people have uploaded information about their life and where they are at. As I read through all of them the other day, I noticed multiple references to a lifestyle and life values that really haven’t changed much in 20 years. One girl (woman now) quipped, “Yes, I am still a heathen…” and another guy referred to himself as a professional beer taster for a specific beer company. The stories were riddled with the pains of divorces and other struggles of life. And then, of course, many who are still trying to impress all of their peers with listing degrees earned and business accomplishments made thus far…but no mention of God – anywhere.
Instead of judging this as bad, I just couldn’t help but be sad. Most of them just never knew there was really another way. See, I was a Christian in high school. I knew the truth and I knew Jesus. At that time, my goal was to keep my own nose clean. I didn’t look down on all of them or think they were bad. I just knew they were headed down a road to destruction and I didn’t want to be in the car with them. I basically buried my light and kept what I knew about Jesus to myself. I figured some one else would… I am ashamed.
These people are now parents, business owners, local civic leaders, some heading toward positions in the government. My peers have responsibility in the world. They have children to raise…hundreds of them. Some are teachers. Just as we so boastfully presumed at our graduation, we did go out and we are shaping the world around us. In 1988 that was a prideful statement about who we thought we were; going out to change the world and all. Now I look back and realize that this is just a part of our lot in life. Yes, we will change the world, because the world is made up of us. I’m not necessarily so proud of how the Vicksburg class of 1988 are doing at that.
I am praying for an opportunity now. Wow! It will be hard at this point not to come across as seeming pious or somehow appearing that I think I am “superior” to them. It really doesn’t get easier, does it? Just the mention of Jesus will send many into a judgmental fit where they judge me as being judgmental of them. But, it’s really not about how they view me, is it? Who is going to love them with the love of Christ? Who is going to hold out to them the word of truth? Who is going to show them who Jesus really is? I can’t assume that someone else will do it…again.
Well, Crossroads, this is what we are about. We all have our mission field(s). We can’t wait for someone else to do it. Jesus called us the light. Now is the time to shine.
April 9, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I will pray for just even one success in your venture; of course, you may not see it now… but you never know what it will do in the future. There was one kid in my high school that was a vocal Christian (and class valedictorian) and one time he gave me a Bible- he must have thought I needed it; I think I took offense at the time. I didnt use it then, but I still have it today, 10 years later. It was enscribed inside and given to him by a family member when he was 8 years old. And today I thank him for being so vocal and sharing the Word, and his Bible with me. I tried to look him up to tell him the impact that interaction made on me in the long run.. but havent found him yet.