What Would You Do?

It was a quiet group of adolescents—maybe about 15 of them, ranging in age from 13 to 18 or so. Some weeks the questions from these struggling youth at a behavioral health center came so fast and furious I wasn’t sure how to address their many and varied questions—knowing each one was critical to their journey of faith, each one was coming from a desperate heart, crying for help. At times, their questions were genuine and their interest sincere. Other times, comments would be filled with sarcasm and their frustrations would flare out in combative rebellion as they questioned the truth I attempted to share with them. But at least they were asking the questions! This day, however, they were unusually quiet.

A young man, perhaps 17 years old, sat in the front row, arms folded across his chest—the universal body language for inaccessibility to his thoughts . . . or his heart. He listened respectfully enough. And in a moment of silence that went on long enough to embolden him to speak, he asked the simple question, “So you actually believe everything you read in that book?”—pointing to my Bible lying on the table beside me. I answered with deep sincerity, “Yes, I do. Every word, with all my heart.”

A roll of the eyes gave away some of the thoughts that his folded arms had attempted to withhold from me. I proceeded with the group, sharing more evidence for the truth of Scripture with them and addressing the infrequent question. It was nearing the end and another moment of silence loomed large in the room. Again, given space in that silence, a question from the young man in the front row: “So, if you believe everything in the Bible, (a pregnant pause in which my mind raced to consider all the controversial points in the Bible he might bring to test me) . . . if Jesus were to come to you and ask you to give up everything to follow him . . . what would you do?” It was the question posed to the rich young ruler—this kid had spent at least some time in church and had clearly been left disillusioned.

I thought for a moment to formulate my response. I hadn’t mentioned yet the fact that I had been a research scientist for 20 years. That I had left a position that not only allowed us to live comfortably but also fed my pride and ego. I think some people think that the story of the rich young ruler teaches that we have to give away everything in order to make it to heaven. I believe it to mean that we must give up anything that keeps us from truly following Jesus, and in my case, it was more the pride and ego than the money! I answered his question with a voice filled with emotion, “I kind of did give up everything. I gave up a 20-year career in medical research, a position of power and prestige, a good salary . . . to follow God’s call on my life. I gave up my career to travel around, sharing the truth of God’s Word with people who need hope—to come here to share with you.” My response was met with silence. His challenging eyes lowered as he pondered my words.

The session ended, and kids began noisily filing out—suddenly they were not so quiet. I started to gather my things when I noticed the young man was standing in front of me. “Thanks for coming today.” It seemed sincere! “If it were appropriate, I would probably give you a hug!” I was floored! It didn’t take long to mutually agree that a fist bump might be best. I was never as glad that I had chosen to say yes to God’s request to follow him as I was in that moment! It was testament to the fact that God will use our “yes” even in a quiet, seemingly disengaged group of troubled youth. I pray to this day that the work of the Holy Spirit continues to shape that young man’s heart. The promise of the legacy that could be changed because of the seeds planted that day is what encourages me to continue to “fight the good fight.” To God be the glory!

“He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and

why do doubts rise in your minds?’”

Luke 24:38 NIV

“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching

them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—

hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Jude 1:22-23 NIV

“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’

he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,

and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’”

Mark 10:21 NIV

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal

life to which you were called when you made your

good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 6:12 NIV