checkpoints

When I get into my car I look to get on the go. I am a fast mover usually on the go somewhere. I get in, crank the truck up and I'm off. But, something in the top left hand corner catches my eye each time. It's a sticker reminding me when it is time to change my oil. It's a checkpoint that GM has come up with that is a time when it is appropriately needed. During that time the oil is changed, the chassis fittings are all greased and I take the time to check other fluids and mechanical needs.
We all need checkpoints, that is what a man by the name of Andy Stanley came up with a few years ago for teenagers. In his book he lists 7 checkpoints that are pivotal to teenagers growing up in a Christlike manner with good morals and ethics.
This Wednesday night we are going to start going through the 7 checkpoints with our teenagers. The checkpoints are Authentic faith, Spiritual disciplines, Moral boundaries, healthy friendships, wise choices, ultimate authority and putting others first.
Within these checkpoints are spiritual lessons and Proverbs that help illustrate their importance. Our teenagers(and us as adults) need to have the basics that will enable and empower them to live Christlike lives as adults. It is my hope that over the next few months we build that foundation with our new middle schoolers as we did with our past groups. This will be the third trip we have taken through the checkpoints.
Have a great day and thanks for reading!