Have you ever been “pantsed”? You read that right, pantsed. You’re just standing around and next thing you know… whoosh! There went your pants. Someone has taken it upon themselves to grab your britches and pull them down. I mean, I don’t know about you but I definitely don’t need help in that department, thank you!

When I lived in Nashville our student ministry had a fun weekend to kick off each new school year. It was similar to a Disciple Now retreat but the main goal was to get to know the small group of students that we would be serving for the next year. For the girls, this weekend was one of their favorites because it strummed their relational chords. We sat around in our pajamas, ate junk food, chatted about the latest TV shows and like any good event where I am – DANCED! I really just can’t help myself and thankfully the girls were all in. They provided the music and I provided my signature moves. And yes, I did the face! (See Dancing Through Life) However, unbeknownst to me, the girls decided that they would all gang up on me and try to take my pants and me down. Oh, they tried but as soon as I caught on to their little game, I proved to be a pro at watching out for their attacks. They did manage to take a picture amidst it all that has haunted me for the last four years. I only share this with you now to make a point. You have my permission to laugh.

Anytime I feel like I am starting to lose my spiritual pants, I look to John 15 and cling to verse 5 where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

We have the amazing opportunity to walk alongside students during one of the most tumultuous times of development in their lives. Serving students in ministry is such a privilege and blessing but we must remain connected to the vine and never neglect our own personal relationships with God. We have to remember Jesus’ words when he says that apart from him, we can do nothing. I pray that we would cling to Jesus with everything we have and let him fight the attacks of the enemy who wants to steal, kill and destroy our spiritual pants. When we cling to Jesus we can then lead our girls from the overflow of our personal relationship with him.