After some lengthy discussions with some of the finest young people I know, it has become apparent that (at least for many), Christianity has been reduced to an image of our traditions…which at times seems void of “relationship” and steeped in rules. It’s often easy to cite scripture to back our own understandings or feelings, yet today’s young people are asking deeper questions (and deserve better answers). They aren’t looking for a “mature Christian” to give them advise any more than they are looking for the janitor at their school to teach them algebra. What they want to see is the same overriding love that Jesus expressed…over & over & over again (without prejudice or judgement).  The kind of love He gave in the NT…to those who society shunned. We take words from scripture (that at first glance) seem to have clear definition, but when we place them into “context” we often find that we are wrong.  Be advised…our young people see and question this and become frustrated with us and the church.  Somehow, we take “executive privilege” when attempting to guide people to Christ.  We question, require, instruct, expect, and behave in ways that make us feel good, but perhaps may not be the (only) biblical way to live? In fact, the only real way to guide anyone to Christ is to love them as Christ did. If we are not careful, our efforts to rebuke, admonish, teach, or train could be perceived as a sense of judgement (which none of us has the right to do).  So here’s the question…(now really think about this before you answer)…Could anyone (especially a young person evaluating Christ as an option for their life) construe your concern as a desire to “fix” what you may think is wrong with them? Or do your actions reveal the great, the broad, the amazingly deep love that only comes from knowing Christ?  It’s just a thought…but one that needs to be pondered if we REALLY want to see our young people experience Him.  My wife always poses the question: “Are you building a wall, or a bridge?”  Our young people are the greatest “Kingdom”commodity there is…let’s be open to their questions without judgement! Love will pull them into a relationship with Christ…anything less will push them away.