Will I See You at the Pole?

By Lane Palmer, Christian Post Guest Columnist Monday, September 20, 2010

What's the bravest thing you've ever done? Or, if you're like me, I'm not sure I've ever done anything that would qualify as truly courageous. I've jumped off a 55-foot cliff (into water of course), and once I stepped into a boxing ring with an opponent who had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. But all that achieved in my life was sore feet and a bloody nose.

I also served in the Armed Forces and swore an oath to protect the United States against all enemies, but I'm still not putting that in the brave category, because when I was in high school I had a golden opportunity to do something legitimately valiant … but I gave in to the voice of cowardice and wimpdom.

If I had the chance to go back and pull a "17 Again"… I'd take it in a heartbeat.

I would study harder, treat people (and especially my parents) better, and care much, MUCH less about what people thought of me.

And there probably are a hundred other things I would do differently, but the event I wouldn't miss unless I was dead is the opportunity you have every year in September – See You At The Pole.

Actually this is not just an event … it is a movement. It is a catalyst that can ignite the fires of revival and change the lives of students forever.

And it requires some courage.

It's a risk to boldly proclaim that you are a follower of Jesus Christ in a public fashion. It takes a fearless attitude to cry to God out loud for the salvation of your peers when they are standing a few yards away.

So where does the courage come from? Not from you, not from your friends, and actually not from anywhere in this world. I know because this is the bravery that was missing from my life in high school. I missed literally hundreds of golden opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus Christ, and now it's too late for me to change that regrettable part of my past.

But not for you! Focus on the passage below for a minute as you think about what God is calling you to do on your campus:

This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Here is The Message translation of the verse:

Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.

This is the source of courage you'll need starting with See You at the Pole and throughout the school year. When you hear the familiar voices of fear and intimidation whispering to keep a low profile and a silent approach to sharing the gospel, ask Jesus to give you strength and courage to stand up and speak up in His name. Remember as well that even though public schools have *outlawed* prayer and attempted to remove Christ from the classroom, you carry the presence and power of the God of the universe in every step you take.

So as you see face after face of students that pass by you in halls, remember that the outside labels we put on them are just that – outside labels. Inside each person is an eternal soul that will one day be present with Christ in His heavenly Kingdom, or trapped in torment forever with the Devil and his fallen angels. Beating within the chest of all teenagers are hearts that long to be loved and accepted by the God who created them and literally chose to die rather than live without them. You carry the responsibility to tell them the gospel message, and a great way to start reaching your friends for Jesus is to boldly proclaim your faith around the flagpole with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Are you ready to engage in an act of bravery that could change the lives and fates of every student on your campus? Will you find the courage given to you by the God who crafted the vast expanse of the universe with just a word?

Will I see you at the pole? And more importantly, will your unsaved friends see you in heaven, or will you see them in hell as they ask why you didn't have the courage to share the gospel when you had the chance?

The choice is yours … so be strong and courageous, and go rock your campus for Christ!

Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action

This week, get together with all your Christian friends and plan out how you can get the word out about See You at the Pole with all the other believers at your school. You could also become a SYATP fan at this Facebook page - www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4188031409.

Accelerant: Feed the Fire

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).