My kids were engaged in a Military Chapel youth group and shared how it was all silliness. The leaders were always excited about the number of kids who showed up at the beginning of the year, but then by mid-year the only ones left were the serious Christians.
One of the leaders was becoming cynical. I told her my thoughts but she didn't want to hear about it.
On the flip side, I know a young combat arms SFC who came to Christ because he said he saw a group of men who took their faith seriously. He was cynical about the easy believism he saw all around him. When he met us the lights came on...
I’ve always been very frank with my only son about the cost of discipleship. He has told us that his desire is to go into missions overseas after college. This has been hard on me and I suppose it will be hardest on my wife as we’ll rarely see our son again. I “happened” to run into a person while on vacation who is experiencing a similar problem-his son has been a missionary overseas facing extreme hardship. He rarely sees him or communicates as he’s in a closed country. It has been difficult for him.
I suppose discipleship is multifaceted and is something we learn no matter what our age. Our children may be called by God to serve in areas abroad, all the while we know the hardships that awaits them. That is such a hard lesson. Still if God gave up His Son, can we not also give up our own? And can we not trust His sovereign will to direct his (and our) paths?
Discipleship isn’t just about attending church and fun. It is a serious commitment but one that God shares with us. I can (and I know Dr. E could) relish in the fact that at least my son has joined a PCA church and wants to work in their mission field. :O)