ENSALZAR

By Barbara Chadwick

 

This morning there was a piece of paper on my desk with the word, ensalzar written on it. (I am working to refresh my Spanish.  Ensalzar is a Spanish word meaning to extol, exalt, or to magnify.

This week-end a group called Christian Challenge from UNC (University of Northern Colorado) came to our house in the mountains for a retreat. There were 26 freshmen through seniors. So our usually quiet house was filled with laughter and action!

Since we go to bed pretty early – we were already there – in bed – when they had their evening devotional time – their singing, reading God’s Word and reflecting on it time. It was great to hear their voices ring out with enthusiasm and sweet to hear their harmonies with the guitars leading.  Some were new Christians but the desire of all to magnify the Lord in their lives was evident in their words, actions and treatment of each other. 

It is a beautiful thing to see young people – the future of our country – studying scripture together in love with excitement and enthusiasm. Paul tells Timothy to in I Timothy 4:7.

Throughout the Bible we see examples of God using young people to take His message to the world.  David, Jonathon, Samuel, Jeremiah, Daniel, Mary, and Timothy are some examples.

In I Timothy 4:7 young Timothy is told to, train yourself to be godly and in 2 Timothy 1:6,  fan into flame the gift of God… Then in chapter 2 verses 22-24, Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace…Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments because they produce quarrels. The Lord’s servant must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. And in I Timothy 4:12, Paul tells Timothy to, set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 

When we do these things, regardless of our age, we “ensalzar” our Lord and Savior.

Throughout the week-end we heard these students extolling the character of God, exalting the Word of God and magnifying His Name. May their tribe increase!