I am always thrilled to share in confirmation on Pentecost! We remember how numbers of believers were added to the church on the day of Pentecost as God’s Spirit was present in the wind and spread throughout people as the flame of a fire. Traditionally, it is a day and time when we received into full, responsible membership those young people who have been on the confirmation journey. In confirmation, our young people have the chance to study the teachings of the church, to gain understandings about Baptism and Holy Communion, and to prayerfully discern what they believe. Confirmation is not a time to “process” people into the church whether they are ready or not. It is a time of inward reflection. It is a time when young people stand up and answer questions about their faith. Their questions are the same questions posed and answered at the time of their baptism. Today, they declare their faith with their own voice.
When we shared in a time of retreat with them, I was privileged to share a devotion with them. I was disappointed in the program provided by the Lake Junaluska staff. It’s not that they did not offer care and concern for our young people. I did not hear anyone speak about the cross or the Lord Jesus or the resurrection. I heard nothing about salvation. John Wesley declared our only purpose is to save souls and lead people to Christ. When we are Confirmed, we are claiming. Everyone is familiar with that. We claim many things. We claim allowance money. We claim the schools for which we love to cheer. We claim our families. In confirmation, we claim the name of Christian. That means, first and foremost, we are people who claim the truth. Jesus spoke the truth in love and let it stand. He did not soft pedal the truth or try to lessen it. As Christians, we are committed to truth. That truth is revealed in Scripture. The Bible is our book which guides us. Never tell God “yes” when you mean “no”. God takes us at our word and holds us to that word. Every confirmand and every member in the church must remember this.
As Christians, we commit to claiming our faith through five expressions. Prayer—we pray daily for the church, our pastors, and leaders, and for world situations and people. Presence—Going to church on Sunday is something Christians commit to do. Gifts—the 90-10 Rule is always before us. Ninety percent of all we are given is ours. Ten percent belongs to God and we surrender it cheerfully. Service—Everyone who loves God looks to serve God in tangible ways. Faithful Witness—Everyone has a special gift that helps them share the truth of Christ in word or deeds.
I look forward to Confirmation today. Like the days of old, the wind will blow and the Spirit will come and spread faith like the flame of a fire. Let’s celebrate that!
Ken