Learning to serve through 4-H

Quay County 4-H was well-represented at the Eastern District Contests in Alamogordo recently. Contests included a broad range of topics; see aces.nmsu.edu/4h/contests/sedistrict/index.html for more information. Our youth did well as individuals and teams, as reported in today’s Quay County Sun. I think they had a good time at the contests, as well as swimming and visiting White Sands National Park.

While they were well-prepared for their contests, I suspect some (well, at least one) did less than their best in some contests for various reasons, including burnout and being encouraged to participate in contests outside of their interests (I’m guilty of “encouraging”). I know one 4-Her was encouraged to sign up for the Favorite Foods competition and did so because he thought he’d get to “judge” the foods. When he learned he had to prepare the food instead, he wisely dropped out of the contest.

Burnout may have happened because school had just gotten out for summer break, and then the 4-Hers were back in a half-a-day school four days a week, again, for much-needed, intensive practices for several weeks, with homework, if they entered the four agricultural contests, which several did. Specific contests, or components thereof, of less interest or greater difficulty probably didn’t get studied as much with the hope that other team members would carry the team.

This also is seen among Christians. Some are always serving, while others are rarely seen serving, if regularly attending church at all. Perhaps those not regularly attending have a medical reason or job keeping them away, but they’re great prayer warriors, interceding for others, or otherwise serving behind the scenes.

Additionally, perhaps the less active attendees have just never been invited to serve. Most Christians, especially new converts, are eager to serve but don’t know what to do. Seasoned Christians are to gently mentor them (1 Corinthians 11:1; Titus 2:1-15; Hebrews 10:22-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15).

Everyone has different skill/learning levels and abilities, and God expects Christians to serve when and where they can (Corinthians 12:4-31; 13:13; Matthew 25:14-30). He’s even prepared works beforehand for each Christian, but he never expects more of us than we’re capable, and he recognizes our efforts (Ephesians 2:10; Luke 12:47-48; 1 Mark 14:1-9; Hebrews 6:7-12; Revelation 14:13).

We mustn’t expect too much too fast of newer Christians, allowing them to grow at their own pace within their talent comfort zone. Otherwise, they may burn out, like children pushed into so many activities they can’t just enjoy being children. It would be equally hazardous, though, to not challenge them to make a positive contribution.

Skills and positive attitudes are developed in 4-H to help our youth become better American citizens. Encouraging them also in church service (even holding the door open for others) will help them become the best of American citizens (Psalm 84:10-12).

Thanks to all Christian mentors as well as the 4-H leaders and volunteers who serve our youth (and help them have fun as children, too, like swimming and at White Sands)!

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].