Come and See

If you are a Young Life College student and you’re also a YLC leader, maybe the title “leader” can feel a bit misleading. We usually see a leader as someone who teaches others. In my opinion, student (or even post-grad) leaders usually aren’t teachers. I’m in my 30’s and after discipling students for 3-5 years, these students are nearly peers spiritually—equally devoted to Jesus.

What does it look like, as a college student leader, to chose a “come and see” attitude?

When disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus, “Where are you staying?” Jesus answered them, “Come and you will see.” One of the two, Andrew, brings his brother to Jesus—essentially saying, “Come and see.” Philip does the same, “Come and see,” he says to Nathaniel (John 1:35-50). They came, saw Jesus, and were in awe.

We’re all asking the same questions throughout life—even if we don’t know it.

• Who am I?
• Where do I belong?
• Do I matter?
• What am I supposed to do with my life?
• What is really true?

As a student leader, go to Jesus to answer those questions. He’s the one who has the answers, not you. Everyone has to answer those questions and Jesus has the best responses. Rather than expecting or trying to have all the answers, invite your fellow college students to ask those questions with you and discover more and more clearly what Jesus says. We’re all asking the same questions anyway.

What are the normal rhythms of your life as a Christian? Quiet devotion, prayer, small group, church, Young Life, etc. What could you invite a friend to come and see? Who are you going to invite to come with you this week?

Think of an hour in your week you know you can protect to read Scripture, reflect, and pray. Schedule it weekly. Guard it. Now, let this be a space you know you can invite a friend to join you. Let’s say you asked a friend, “Do you want to get to know Jesus?” and they answered, “Yes.” What if your first invitation was, “I spend time with God on Tuesdays at 9:00 am before class. Want to join me this week? We can do it together.”

The best context for showing and seeing Jesus is a friendship, not an event. “Come and see.”

Helpful questions to ask yourself or others:

• What kind of man/woman do I really want to be?
• What’s the central aim of my life?
• What hope drives me?
• (Which of the above questions is the most important to answer?)
• What kinds of people am I most uncomfortable around? – go get to know one of them!

Helpful nuggets:

• Pray.
• When in doubt “give away what you’ve received.”
• The text you sent matters even if they don’t respond. It proves someone is thinking about them.
• Pray.
• God is not afraid of any questions. You don’t need to be either. Go find answers. They’re out there.
• You don’t need to defend God. He is who He is, no matter what anyone thinks or feels.
• Pray.