I was in a conversation with a friend of mine about my role in youth ministry, and I accidentally allowed the word “relevance” to escape my mouth. I know that’s a hot topic among the youth ministry community, and I thought my own stance was clear, but yet…I wonder.

A lot of pastors and youth workers bow to the fear and pressure of relevance, and this is not always a negative thing. Even Jesus himself changed His wording (albeit not His message) depending on whether He was speaking to the Samaritan woman or the Pharisees. The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:

Paul is concerned with being relevant to those around him, speaking in a way that is understood by the culture he finds himself in. But notice His message does not change–it is still the gospel. The amazing thing about God’s word is that it truly is “living and active”. It is always applicable, always life-breathing, always practical.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only things that was, is, and will always remain relevant. What else can provide answers to the biggest needs in life?–to be fully known, fully accepted, and fully loved.

Whether I listen to the Black-Eyed Peas or Johnny Cash, watch The Hills or Wheel of Fortune, or play XBOX or bridge, the only thing of worth I have to offer youth is the truth of Jesus Christ and His love. It’s not my relevance that’s ultimately important, but my availability. God will use that, and I can, and plan to do that at any age. May I be known by that.