Lesson 10: See People For Who They CAN BE.

I heard a youth speaker say something like this once and it made a big impression on me. Jesus did this. He didn’t see a short, corrupt tax collector in Zacchaeus. He didn’t even see a wee little man. Jesus saw a man hungry for a Savior. Zacchaeus was so passionate about seeing Jesus that he climbed a tree. When Jesus was thirsty and hot, he didn’t see a woman, of a different race who had slept with quite a few men, he saw a person of value worthy of discussing the deepest meaning of life.

In the 1980s, the Contemporary Christian song “Innocent Eyes” was written. It talked about seeing people without judgment or prejudice. God calls us to see potential and possibilities. That’s what he sees in us.

We need to see students for who they can become. Do you see a lazy, overweight guy? Do you see a rebellious gothic girl with dark eyeliner, spiked hair, and black clothes? Coaches look for athletic talent, but I love those players who surprise everybody with their dedication and effort. When God looks at the students we touch, he sees children he loves. He sees the inside not just the outside.

The Old Testament tells us that “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” Look to the heart!

Zach Skipper has spent over 12 years working with students. He has served as a youth minister, speaker, and bible study teacher. He is currently leading Bigtime Ministries while part-time coaching at one of the country’s leading Junior Highs in Birmingham, AL. To find out more about Zach’s ministry, contact him at www.bigtimeministries.com.