gang of God

Yesterday, I saw 12 high school freshmen declare their intentions to follow Jesus before an audience of several hundred adults. If they were Baptist, which they weren’t, they would have been baptized. These young people had already been promised to God and connected to his family through Baptism earlier in life, and so the proper term for the rite is, “Affirmation of Baptism.”

So, what did happen? Well, take a dozen teenagers in the middle of LA who declare that they will continue to dedicate their lives to serving the needs of others and what do you have? 12 who say “Yes” to Jesus and thanks to their parents, pastors, and adult faith mentors who are guiding them along the way? It is amazing there was no news media at the event. After all, any time the gangs of LA hint at a truce the media clamors to get the story, and rightfully so. Any decrease in the ill will followed by evil action is welcome news.

But, if you want a real story, take 12 teens who are part of a different gang. A gang of hope. A gang of help. A gang that is a home to them. They follow that radical gang leader, Jesus, who has the guts to tell them they are responsible for their own attitudes and actions. They are not responsible for what others do to them in their families and in society, but they are responsible for how they respond (Mark 7:18-23). When Christians are “dissed” they wouldn’t think of “popping a cap” or whatever.

Their leader, Jesus, even tells them they are to serve rather than be served, and they listen. As this dozen joins the other youth in the “gang” of God, they infect society with everything that is right with our world. So, if there are any reporters out there who want a real story, you drop me a line. Peace, out.