As I kid, I knew exactly who I wanted to be for the rest of my life. It changed every year.Now I am in college, where certainty seems to be an ideal in everyone’s mind that somehow continually escapes us. The words “I just don’t really know what my role is” seem to be kingdom code for “I am not in leadership, so what am I supposed to be doing?” I understand it somewhat. In an arena like college, which is so bent on preparing us to go and do and acheive, it is easy to lose sight of what it means to just truly BE a disciple. We often get excited about a topic, pour some quiet times into it, and then think we should be leading an apologetics class. Or we lead a bible discussion, get some good feedback, and then get mad when we are not leading campus the next year. And then we think the humble route is to sit back and observe for a while we “figure out our role.” I know I did. With this mindset, we are left with a generation of could be leaders who have neither given enough thought to training nor taken the time to understand how to serve.
I am forever grateful to my teen leader Martin Chairez who told me, “The best leaders are just great followers.” In studying out some of the best leaders in the New Testament, I have come to understand what he meant. The apostles often called ‘the three”--Peter, James, and John—lived and learned under Jesus ministry for 3 years. Timothy was called and gifted by God, but trained by Paul.
Naturally, I am an independent thinker, and few people were able to reach me in high school, but I think that is one of the things that drew me to Martin as a leader. It was hard to argue with a man asking more from you when he purchases your meal, gives up an hour of his day to spend time with you, and picks you up and drives you home. To my shame I probably missed many of the vocal lessons that he did not repeat, but I never missed the silent sermon that he walked everyday. Martin, I apologize for the late notice, but the acknowledgment matches the timeframe of understanding.
So, in my time at college, yeah, I have lead bible talks. I have given communions. I have lead bible studies. But I have also tried to help wherever that ‘wanted’ sign is posted; filling roles that often go unnoticed and are certain without any praise. But recently, I have found so much joy in remembering that my ultimate role is just to be a disciple (Matthew 28:19). To put my feet down, to keep
my eyes up, and to open my mouth on campus.There are few greater things that God could ask from one of his servants—or his leaders—and few things that give him such joy. To try and live what was called the Great Commission, but is so often looked over by the overly ambitious as an unnecessary distraction.
I still could not give you my campus title like I did so confidently as a kid. But I have learned that my role has been defined in heaven, and there is a chance everyday to serve that out. God puts those in leadership that belong there, and at this point, I find no higher honor than to walk on campus—God and “his friend.”
