Changing lives to change the world

“C
hanging Lives to Change the World” is the motto and mission of TeenPact Leadership Schools as its members seek to educate youth in the workings of government and how to get involved and make an impact for Christ. 
At the beginning of March, I had the opportunity to attend my second state class in our state capital of Cheyenne. During the week, we held mock legislative sessions in which we debated bills written by the students, we prayed for our leaders during prayer walks in the Capitol Building, we discussed the judicial branch during Alumni Tracks – and much more. 
TeenPact has made such an impact on my life, and I’ve been able to understand the importance of being educated and involved in politics. Being involved in government doesn’t mean one has to run for office – just being educated, voting, supporting legislation and communicating with your representative and senator can make a huge difference. 
We heard from Gov. Mark Gordon, had the opportunity to ask him questions and took a picture with him. We also got to hear from Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, Justice Keith Kautz and Marti Halverson, the president of Right to Life of Wyoming. What an amazing experience when you get to meet those representing you in government! 
Seeing Wyoming’s Capitol Building was an amazing experience – it’s beautiful! Everything is so ornate and beautiful, and the floor tiles even have fossils in them. 
While learning about government is definitely a focal point of TeenPact, we also get to learn more about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and how to look at things from a biblical perspective and shine his light. One thing that is emphasized is to be the aroma of Christ in all that we do – when we’re in the Capitol, when we’re in the Hathaway Building during class or wherever we are. 
Being the aroma of Christ is being the reflection of Christ in our attitudes, interactions and behavior. As Christians, we want to embody the love, grace and forgiveness of Christ to everyone around us and share his word through our actions and speech. 
We also have worship and a devotional every morning, along with an evening session of worship and a message. This aspect is a huge way that TeenPact has ministered to me and impacted my life – the Christ-centeredness of the program is unbelievable, and it is so uplifting to spend a week with other youth who have a personal relationship with Jesus. 
During one of the morning devotions, a member of the staff shared the importance of surrendering to Christ. As people, we all have our platforms or spheres of influence. As Christians, it’s our duty and responsibility to surrender those platforms and spheres of influence for Christ’s purposes. 
It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and in our own popularity, reputations or status. Or sometimes, we’re more focused on our own desires and plans and what we can gain versus living out our spheres of influence for his purposes. I know I struggle with this. Jesus deserves to be the Lord of our lives, the Lord of our days, the Lord of every moment and the Lord of all our achievements or accomplishments. Because really, they’re not ours, they’re his and accomplished only through His strength. 
Intentionality was also a huge focus of the week. Intentionality with our relationship with Jesus, for one. But intentionality with other things too. Intentionality in our relationships with others – encouraging and uplifting each other with our speech and actions and having that deep bond of faith in Christ. Intentionality in our daily lives – living them out for and through Christ, with a focus on him. And, intentionality in everything. And oh boy, let me tell you, this is a huge struggle for me. It can be so easy to just get complacent and let all the moments, days and months pass by. 
But don’t let the time pass by. Let’s surrender up everything to Christ and live out his purposes – in our daily lives, in our relationships and in government and politics too.