My dear son,
I realize that you will be serving Christ in a world far different than the one in which I was trained and released into ministry. Even though I’m only a few years removed from college, technology has changed the world drastically. Any items or idea is available at your finger tips any time and anywhere. It is important that you understand what is truly valuable in order to sift through all the clutter and distractions. Your greatest risk is not that you would fail but that you would succeed in something that doesn’t matter.
Above all else value Jesus and your relationship with Him. Our culture consumes our time with a million forms of entertainment. Be purposeful in spending time with Jesus. Turn off the phone and the tablet and simply soak in the Word and prayer. Know Christ intimately or you will fall prey to the next great twitter trend.
Secondly, build strong relationships with Godly men. Learn to listen to their wisdom. Have deep and meaningful conversation that goes beyond the social media facade often portrayed to the world. When you have learned some wisdom find younger guys and be able to clearly articulate truth to them in more helpful ways than a Facebook or blog rant. Our society is increasing shallow, get deep.
Finally, find your identity and purpose in Jesus. The world offers you a menu of things to chase after and in which to find your value. However, all these things are incredibly fleeting. You will rarely be in the same place with the same people for long. The one thing that will stand is Christ and what you have done to serve him. Make that what your life is about and where you find joy and fulfillment. Money, popularity, and former glory bring no solace when times are tough but clinging to Jesus and seeing lives that he has used you to change brings great peace and joy.
Remember your purpose on this either is two fold. Know Jesus and make Him known. Love Him, love others, and you will be pouring yourself out for something that truly matters.
A fellow servant of the King,
Ben Long
Psalm 143:8