.: YA 144 Reflection - Michelle :.
Pastor YC spoke about the steps and preparation to disciple youth/young adults and the processes which we all have to learn and remember when we are rising up as leaders for the future generation.
We first need to understand the difference between a leader/adult and a child/disciple. It’s true that a child likes to be self-centered and in most cases, they wanted power. This applies normally to teenagers where they are in the position of “power” and I termed this as the stage of rebellion. I was once also a teenager where I defy an even rebel against my parents. My friends then were more important in my life. I shared everything with my friends and a home is only a place where I can rest or sleep where my problems are never discussed at all.
However, a leader has to first be aware of their rights and responsibility and also has the ability to prioritize between rights and responsibility. In this case, leaders must know that their responsibility is more important than their rights at times. I know that being a leader cannot pleases everyone but to be able to be firm with your decision taking in consideration of the whole welfare is such an example of responsibility. Of course we too are humans and have empathy on our people sometimes but situations sometimes do not allow us to let our emotions be carried away and I termed this as the ability of able to prioritize between rights and responsibility. Whatever circumstances, a leader must be able to control their emotions, able to process their thoughts first before doing what is needed to lead the members.
The phrase ‘Death to self, Life to others’ also applies to a leader. I also term it as an act of responsibility as a leader always has to put another before her/him. An example is a father always protects his daughter/son. He will always not let any harm come upon them and will shield them from danger. A leader must be able to understand that most of us have the ability to inspire the young people through what we have done or spoke or even who we are.
No doubt, ALL of us need motivations! I used to feel motivated when I got medals, awards or recognition from people around me. Not to mention that I still feel motivated when I got affirmation from my sisters, spiritual mother or friends. I realized that my motivation is a sense of satisfaction or goals which I wanted to achieve. I feel good when I am affirmed. I feel good when people praise me. In short, I feel great when I am able to achieve my goals.
Yes! Different genders and age people have different motivations. But a youth motivation can changes quickly and is normally greatly influence by the society, from the television programmes and the people around him. Therefore, I agreed with Pastor YC that it is important to help youth discover who they really are and what is their purpose in like. In such way, then leaders are able to influence them with related motivations in their life.
