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Before meeting: Gather up various shoes and print out sheets of explanation for
each.
Have youth look up and read the following verses: Micah 6:8, Ephesians 6:14&15,
1 John 1:5-7, John 8:12, Psalms 89:15, Isaiah 40:29-31, 2 John:4-6 Each of these
scriptures has something in common, can anyone tell me what it is? They all have
a reference to walking or the feet. Both the old and new testaments have many
references of walking. There is walking in love, walking in the light, and walking
with Christ. I think it's meant to give us a mental picture of our ongoing relationship
with God.
I've brought some things tonight that might help you get a better picture of
what I'm talking about. {Bring out shoes one at a time} OLD HOUSESHOES - I've
made a commitment to Christ, but I've been pretty lazy when it comes to serving
Him. DRESS SHOES - I have a nice, shiny faith on the outside, but I only bring
it out on Sunday's and special occasions. WORN OUT SHOES - I've come a long way,
but I need some serious healing. SANDALS - When the weather is good and the sun
is shining, I'm out there walking with the best of them - but when things get
stormy, I get discouraged and quit. SILLY ANIMAL HOUSESHOES - My spiritual life
is a joke. I don't take serving Jesus seriously. RUNNING SHOES - I feel like
God is helping me to finish the race. WORK BOOTS - It's been hard work lately,
but I'm actually following through on my responsibilities.
Which of these shoes best represents your own walk with Christ? Walking with
Christ means knowing Him and obeying Him. As we do this our minds become transformed
to be more like the mind of Christ. It means that when you stumble, and we all
will, that you will get back up, dust yourself off, and start walking again. Because
as followers of Christ, we know that we are not walking alone. He is with us
every step of the way, offering encouragement and love. As believers we also
know what awaits us at the end of this race....an eternity in the presence of
our loving God.
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