A True Leader is Humble

For the first time in fifteen weeks, we aren’t preparing for a week of state classes. Last Friday night marked the end of our 2016 season as the Alaska class officially adjourned Sine Die. The end of the class season brings a downhill run toward our biggest event of the year: National Convention. However, as our National Office staff team works on the big to-do lists, we wanted to take a moment with you to reflect on all that God has done through this season. Today’s post is one of the many student stories and testimonies that we received this season, written by Troy Dangler from Colorado. Join us as we celebrate the life change represented here.

As a TeenPact first timer, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was pretty excited leading up to class simply because I wanted to learn about how I, as a Christian young man, could positively influence our government. Amazingly, my expectations were dissolved after one hour in class! I was suddenly floored with the fact that this was way more than just a “state government” class. This was something much bigger and much better!

At TeenPact, I realized the focus was not actually government…it was the Gospel.

At TeenPact, I realized the focus was not actually government, though we learned a great deal about that. The focus of class was the Gospel. I was encouraged in my faith in ways I cant even put down on paper. Between the amazing staff and the worship and devotionals they led us through, and the other students, I realized that I was not alone in this big world full of sin. Not only was I not alone, but I was being asked to join with these other young people to carry out what it says in Romans 1:16:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

I was given the tools to successfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ boldly but in His love. Finally, I was shown how all of this pertains to being a leader. As somebody who is very outgoing and quite comfortable public speaking, one might observe me and say “he has good leadership qualities.” Sadly these strengths very easily caused me to regularly fall into the sin that a true leader never has: PRIDE. I became aptly aware that a leader HAS to be humble! In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus constantly points this truth out. In one specific case, the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest and Jesus’ response tells it all:

“…And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all’.”

I want to share with all of you a verse that God has used to change my life. It is Joshua 1:8-9:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your god is with you wherever you go.”

That is exactly what God taught me this week through TeenPact. The TeenPact State Class is probably the most life changing week I have ever had. I am completely convinced that God will continue to use TeenPact in people’s lives in mighty ways.

– Troy Dangler