It seems that everywhere you look today people are taking a stand about something and passionately showing what’s important to them.  Debates and discussions arise over many issues…carbon tax, the right to die, gay rights, poverty, protection of the innocent – the list goes on and on and on.  With so much pain and atrocities around us, it is often difficult to find hope and any light at the end of the tunnel – this is especially true for many young people.

They are called ‘Gen-Y’s’ – they want to see change…they want to effect change…they want something or someone to put their hope and trust in.  Sometimes we don’t understand them…we get annoyed with them and their zeal, and yet…we love them.  We love their passion for life and somehow, they inspire us to take a stand.

As I write this blog, a group of ‘Gen-Y’s’ are launching their new Youth Ministry called, ‘The Stand.’  What do they stand for?…Five verbs!

‘Believe‘ – “I believe that Jesus Christ died to save my life and yours.”

‘Love‘ – “I love people no matter who they are.”

‘Speak‘ – “I speak the Word of God and I keep my mouth pure.”

‘Devote‘ – “I keep my body devoted to God.”

‘Protect‘ – “I protect and care for the less fortunate and the oppressed.”

Now that is something to stand for – because if everyone really applied those five verbs and what they stand for to their lives, so much pain and unrest would be eliminated.

So while at this very moment they are having fun, acting crazy, playing laser tag and jumping in jumping castles…they are also standing for something that works and brings change to people’s lives.

How do I know this?…Because ‘The Stand’ is the Youth Ministry of The Crossway.  I’m their Pastor and I see their passion…their commitment…their craziness…and I love them for it and am so very proud of all of them.