A Pastor’s Letter

Dear young folks 
I prayed for some of you this morning, as there has been a burden on my heart for you. You see I was also young once and took my own way, following the crowd of pressure rather than standing for the Lord. You may think me old fashioned, like a policeman possibly, someone to be avoided at the least, if you are not living the way you should. You see that’s how I used to look at them when I was living for myself. Then one day some of them visited with me, several times in fact, because they could see that I did not have enough to make it to heaven. It wasn't that they were trying to find something wrong with me, but they could see the fruits of my life, and knew I was not surrendered to God. See it was not so much that I did not want to be saved, I tried not to think of that, but I wanted to fit in a be cool, which was something I never was good at. But I tried and only succeeded in finding that way empty, needing constantly to have it filled. Later I found them to be very helpful and supportive after I have recommitted my life to the Lord. 
Now that I am older, and in the position they were, I see things differently. You see, I believe they really cared about me and also felt that same God given responsibility that I feel resting on my heart. There is a pretty good chance that some of you one day will bear a similar responsibility, both to God and to the Church. If that should be the case, you also like us will one day stand before God on judgment day to give an account of your stewardship. One day we will all stand before God, and I don't know if you know it or not, but your minister will stand before God to give an account for how he loved, taught, and warned the people God has committed to his charge. If he has not been faithful in these things, then he will be guilty before God. On the other hand, if he has warned the people of sin then he will be able to stand before God free. So, you see, preachers are not trying to find fault neither are they people to be afraid of. Matter of fact, if you would ask them how their Christian life is, they may tell you that they have a lot of struggles and some of them may be similar to yours. Just remember that your pastor carries a burden for your life as well as his. When the winds whisper of your life; whither it's, music, relationships, photography, or social media, he has a responsibility. Then what about your conviction on the doctrine of the Church of God? Sometimes it may seem to you that his view on modest and worldly dress and hair styles, or beards or head coverings may seem a little overboard. You may even feel like the Holy Spirit has not given you conviction on these matters. Yet, deep in your heart you really know, don't you? Or is the day we live in so different that things like that are out of date and old fashioned. If you want to know you could ask him, or better yet ask the Lord. He may surprise you with his answers. Likely you will find that though the day we live in has different temptations and challenges, the gospel has not changed. The convictions on these matters are the same now as they were when your parents were young. 
What you do can make your minister’s heart light or heavy, happy, or sad. He rejoices when you are at youth meeting, or church on Sunday, but heaviness slips over his heart when you do otherwise. Even now he may be seeking God on your behalf, wondering if he should pay you a visit, wondering how he should approach you if he does so as not to make you afraid. You see, he is also a dad, has children and he is human enough that he doesn't want you to think that his children are tattling, most minister's children don't. No, he wants you to appreciate his children, and for that matter he would like to be your friend. Most of all, he would like the Lord to be your friend! He would like to help you find answers you so much need in life. Will he always know the correct answer? I doubt it, but you could try asking him. One day he may bring a marriage proposal to you or you will go to him about someone special in your life. It will make him feel so much better if you have kept those relationships clean and pure, resting them with God, soaking them in prayer, having God first in your life. He may have experience helping those now married people who have not done so and wants you to avoid those headaches and frustrations. Yes, he cares about those things to. 
His greatest desire for you is that you be happy, enjoy your youth life, laugh, cry and have a good time, living for God and the benefit of others. You will be blessed, really blessed, and all this is waiting for you if you follow the Lord. 
One more thing here, would you say a prayer for him? He doesn't know how to do all these things. Sometimes he gets really discouraged and feels like a failure. So, if you could spare just a minute to say a prayer for him, he'd really appreciate it. 
Thanks for listening, with love, your Pastor.