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In creation, a symbiotic relationship is when two organisms are in a close prolonged association. However, not all relationships are mutually beneficial. In simple terms, relationships exists where one feeds on the other (predation), one benefits and no harm is done to the other (commensalism), or where both benefit (mutualism).

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

Look to the interests of others. God calls us to be in relationships where we live for others, where others benefit. He calls us to be on the “lookout” for others. He doesn’t want us to just “do no harm to the other,” but to seek out and act in the interests of others.

Others

One incredibly important group of “others” are our youth, specifically, our at risk youth. What makes a youth “at risk”? A basic definition is “an at-risk youth is a child who is less likely to transition successfully into adulthood.” While there are many variables at work against them, a few primary factors are poverty, homelessness, and dropping out of school.  

Couch Surfers: Hidden Homelessness

A study looked at six Silicon Valley high schools and found that “one in six students are either in an unstable housing situation themselves or know someone who is — with most of those couch surfing, separated from their family and living somewhere temporarily with other relatives or friends.” This puts them in grave danger of ending on the streets.

There are an estimated 100K “couch surfers” in Kentucky. If you research “couch surfer” you will be introduced to a global community of travelers that say, “You have friends all over the world, you just haven’t met them yet.”  They include people who are traveling and just want to save on hotel costs so they stay “on people’s couches.” But when it comes to youth, “Couch surfing has a nice sound to it, it sounds like fun,” said Crescencia, who declined to give a last name for privacy reasons. “But it’s not. Couch surfing is homelessness.”

God’s Love for the Vulnerable

God’s heart for the vulnerable is well documented throughout the Bible.  

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world

James 1:27

How do we “look after orphans”?  One way is training. Since the foundations of a person’s life are laid during the formative years we must, as a community, look after the training of orphans. They are learning from someone. Who is doing the training?

Who is doing the Training?

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Training them:

• to love?
• to forgive?
• to value others?
• to value themselves?
• to see their glory?
• to see the plan God has for their life?

There are many ways to look to the interests of others. We have many great partners leading the way in this. Orphan Care Alliance (OCA) is breaking down barriers and mentoring our next generations with God’s love.  They bring faith and love into very hard stories.

Partner Spotlight: Orphan Care Alliance

We are so proud to partner with OCA, but the Bible doesn’t call just them to look to the interests of our youth. He is calling all of us. It is mutually beneficial if our business community and our families, help youth who are desperate for love and guidance.

Now, you may already be doing exactly what God has called you to do, to look to the interests of others, in the sphere of influence you are currently working. Excellent! We need you to continue! However, maybe God is asking you to open your heart to these youth. Maybe God just wants you to share this with someone else, someone in your company.

God brings specific kids through the doors of OCA and He is calling His people to speak into their lives, to be Godly guides, helping them navigate this world.

Mentorship?

What does it take to be a mentor? Love God, have a heart for others, and be willing to spend 1 hour a week with a youth.

The impact is beyond words. You might be nervous or scared, thinking “I don’t know how to do this.” How about that youth who is needing your voice because they have no mom or dad and are just trying to make sense of this world? God has shown you love and that youth just needs you to show it to them.

We are citizens of a different kingdom. In God’s Kingdom, we look to the interests of others. Jesus gave up everything to rescue us and He calls us to follow in His path.

You are needed. Ask God before you decide you’re too busy. He may say no, but He may also show you someone else who is the yes. Offer this opportunity to your work group. Call Bryan Proctor at OCA today (502)498.4765 to discuss ways your company can partner together in a way that benefit you both.

Come Listen to Bryan Proctor (OCA)

Come listen to Executive Director Bryan Proctor (OCA) at the Business & Ministry Conference as he discusses ways for businesses to partner with OCA and the power of mentorship in the lives of youth, as well as the impact it has on the business community.

For the Kingdom: Let your light shine, that others may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.