In a dream last night I met with this young person. He was perhaps 20-25 years old. As we talked, He unfolded His knowledge of things. His knowledge included things of God and the Bible. As we continued to talk and I asked questions, more and more his answers were, “I do not know” or I do not know how to do that”. As I left him and continued my journey even in the dream I realized he did not have a “clue” about so many things. He had even shared with me his church experiences and he had seen some very cool things. But these were relegated to an entertainment “status” in mind. Not something he or his friends planned on doing or even knew how to do. His plan was to become more educated, to learn more.

I awoke from that dream and mulled over it. For many a year I have been concerned about the fact that many young people are ill equipped for what life holds. Whether it be having a basic understanding of money, households or the work place. And what I and others may consider valuable or important, many of those things are deemed not important or were perhaps, not even discussed.

I remember a meeting I was sharing in years ago and I said, “one of my concerns is the parent and the church that thinks that a child is going to become an 18 year old and miraculously become an adult with all the magic happening without opportunities to serve and to test their skill sets and gift mixes before that time.” The church became quiet.

We can blame schools, parents and even the church. But whatever we land on, I think it behooves us to engage a plan. From the church perspective this is perhaps true discipleship, not just lessons, but actual opportunities to “test” and to prove themselves. (It amazes me how many are disenchanted with schools, governments and the world systems, but will not take the time to parent effectively or mentor on some level.)

We can tell people they are “awesome” until we are blue in the face, but at some point we are going to have to get our hands “dirty” and show them how to do things. Part of being the church is not just opening our mouths or our wallets but to pull alongside and help folks learn to be more viable in the kingdom as well as in the world.

I often think that as Jesus said this, right before he left the earth “I pray for them (the church). I’m not praying for the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours.” Ever wonder why He said this? He also said to His people in John 13:34-35, “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

How did He love them? He showed them! Modeled for them prayer, signs and wonders. He made disciples of them. People that would carry the substance of His message and take it to the world.

Clearly for the world to come to Christ, His prayer is not for the culture of the world to change but for the culture of the church to come together and be united.

Months ago I wrote about the “season of love“. Perhaps it has greater meaning than I originally thought.

We, the church are empowered by God to greater works, including unity and working together.

Matthew 13:52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

There is a storeroom of treasure in our own lives as well as those we walk with. It is high time we understood the need to break open the word, do life with one another and release the kingdom in a mighty way throughout the nations.

Perhaps one of the greatest unopened treasures is that of lives not being share, multiplied and released. What is the gift you have inside, you long to share with another? What is that someone needs to learn or be helped with? We will not see legacy and generations without implementing this gift of God of handing down and reaching up.