YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/How Can I Make Worship of God Enjoyable?

Josh, 16, is sprawled out on his bed. His mom stands at the doorway.  "Joshua, get up!" she says sternly.  "You know it's a meeting night!"  Josh is being raised  as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and attendance  at Christian meetings is a regular part of family worship. Lately, though, Josh hadn't felt inclined to attend. 

"Oh, Mom," he groans,  "do I really have to go?"

"Stop complaining and get dressed," she replies.  "I don't want to be late again!" She turns and starts to walk away.  

"Look, Mom,  Josh blurts out while she's still within earshot.  "This may be your religion, but that doesn't mean it's mine."  He knows his mom heard that, because the sound of her footsteps has stopped. Then, without responding, she continues walking away. 

Josh feels a twinge of guilt.  He doesn't really wan to hurt his mom.  But he doesn't  want to apologize either. The only thing he can do is . . .

With a sigh, Josh gets out of bed and starts getting dressed. Then he says, more to himself than to his mom:  "Sooner or later I'm going to have to make my own decision.  I'm not like the others at the Kingdom Hall. I'm just not cut out to be a Christian!"  

HAVE you ever felt the way Josh does in this scenario? At times, does it seem that while others enjoy Christian activities, you're just going  through the motions?  For instance: 

* Is studying the Bible just like another homework assignment to you? 

* Do you dread taking part in the door-to-door ministry?

* Do you often find yourself bored at Christian meetings? 

If your answer is yes to questions like these, don't be discouraged. With a few adjustments, you can learn to enjoy  serving God. Let's see how. 

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/ How Can I Make Worship of God Enjoyable? -Challenge #1: Studying the Bible

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2008