A Growing Boy

Author - Jauhmar Ellick McAllister

Not many 21-year-olds have the humility, discipline, and knowledge this growing boy César has. From the jump, I knew something was special about him. Thank you, Jesus, for creating the masterpiece I can call a friend. Now, this blog isn't about me. It's about my good man's César and how he's grown since being here at The Fellowship. He grew in many areas over the previous 13 months while serving on the Timothy Team at TbarM Camps. He brought what he learned there here.

César is a great guy. He's got a big bright smile that lights up a room, long flowing hair that flies in the wind, and a great personality. His style is unmatched, with his different earthy tones and bold colors. The Lord made him special just like he did all of us. It's my pleasure to show y'all what makes him special.

For a 21-year-old, to have the type of discipline he has is very difficult. He's very intentional with what he does, from waking up early for quiet time with God and getting in a run before the activities begin at the Fellowship House. It takes discipline and intentionality to do the things he does. We are learning how to be disciples of Jesus Christ. To be like The One, you must have discipline. He's a part of that 1% of people who are determined to let people know who Jesus is.

César is a jack of all trades; he's good at a lot of things. Even so, he is humble. Humbling yourself is key to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, and César exemplifies that. Being humble is something that separates us from the world. Humility is a sense of putting one's pride to the side and becoming the servant in every situation you are in. I've seen the humility in Cesar's heart from the beginning of our time together. He moves his pride to the side so problems can be nipped in the bud quickly. He's quick to own up to mistakes that he might have made and issue an apology. He doesn't mind having that tough conversation that needs to be had. Growing humility can be difficult, especially when you know you're good in certain areas. We tend to get the "big head" and think we are better than others.

People tend to take pride in themselves. When we do that, God's glory for ourselves. That's what I love about César. He's self-aware of those things and quick to repent. César's growing in this area day by day. The Lord is pruning leaves of pride and envy away so that the fruit of meekness is produced. I pray that the Lord hears César's prayers and increases his humility. That's the beautiful part. César knows from whom humbleness comes, Jesus Christ Himself.

With time, Céar's knowledge about The Man will increase. He's already knowledgeable, taking us to school with some things he says. For example, we discussed the chaotic waters in Genesis 1. A question was posed. Cesar was the first to jump on it because he knew what was being said. He had knowledge that the rest of us didn't have. It was cool to see him jumping out of his chair to explain the Hebrew definition of "maiyim" (waters). He's always searching and wondering about what things mean, writing notes and searching for answers to gain more knowledge about The One who created us. He seeks God's Kingdom, which gives him knowledge that most of the world doesn't have. Day by day, he continues to grow in the Word. It is evident when he speaks.

Cesar, you have so many gifts that the Lord has blessed you with. Each day, He continues to grow you in stature, wisdom, knowledge, and discipline, accompanied by humility. I continue to Thank God for being in your life and to watch you grow in these areas. You're a very special person, César. You have great things inside you. I pray that the Lord continues to refine them in you daily. You are one of a kind, beautifully created in the image of God. Don't worry about the comparisons with others. You bring qualities to the table that others can't. You are one of a kind, and I'm glad you are my friend.

PROMISE OF THE WEEK
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. - John 15:1-8