Harry Potter

I saw Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix a few days ago. True confessions: I cried several times. It was so good! Why? Not only was it a well made movie with a great story; it made me think of my youth.

If you don't know the story line, let me try to summarize. Harry has just seen a friend of his killed by the dreaded Lord Voldemort. However, most of the adults in the wizarding world don't believe that Voldemort is back. The ones who do, the Order of the Phoenix, discourage Harry's desire to fight back for his safety. Throughout the movie, Harry battles feelings of loneliness. He longs to do something, but even his class on the Defense Against the Dark Arts becomes a centered around book study. How can he fight evil by sitting still? His friends decide to believe him, and they form Dumbledore's Army. Harry trains them to use magical powers to fight against evil.

In some ways, I see my youth as Dumbledore's army. They don't want the book knowledge of the Bible. They want Truth Himself. They want to know how their faith in Christ plays out in the real world. Often, they don't even care about my lesson plans, but they want practical wisdom gained from years of walking with God. They want the tools to battle against evil, sin, and destruction so they can change the world for God's good. But could they band together? Could they choose to be a community that stands together for God's purposes? Could they strengthen and encourage one another instead of dishing out sarcastic cut downs?

I see hope in two things: 1. A quote from Harry Potter himself, "Every great wizard has started off where we are now. If they could do it, then why not us?" My youth are young, but so was I when God started to change me so I could change the world for Him. It's a process of learning to walk with the Lord. God starts teaching us now. 2. Nothing is too big for God. Regardless of age, God can use anyone to fulfill his purposes no matter where they are in their faith development process.

I believe it. God will transform these youth to transform the world, and I pray that God would equip me to help them know how through practical life lessons.