A summary of the closing session of the EM Adult camp meeting, focusing on the call to live like Jesus and the importance of intentional spiritual practices.

The Brand Problem

• Research shows many people like Jesus but dislike Christians.
• The disconnect exists because followers often fail to act like Jesus.
• The world perceives many Christians as hypocrites.
• We must bridge the gap between who they think Jesus is and who we are.
• Our witness depends on our ability to mirror Jesus's actions.

The Power of Practice

• Practicing the way of Jesus is essential for spiritual growth.
• Practice does not make perfect, but it makes permanent.
• Consistent habits allow the character of Jesus to become part of us.
• When Jesus is in us, others will see Him through our lives.
• We must intentionally practice what Jesus practiced.

The Practice of Solitude

• Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to be with the Father.
• Solitude requires turning off distractions like television and media.
• Your spiritual experience must be your own, not just your parents'.
• Be still and know that I am God.
• Fasting from media helps mitigate the depression caused by constant negative news.

The Practice of Prayer

• Prayer is not just asking for things; it is communing with God.
• Prayer is opening the heart to God as to a friend.
• Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.
• Avoid the temptation to share every detail of your life on social media.
• Share your struggles and life directly with God in secret.

The Practice of Service

• Jesus came not to be served, but to serve others.
• Service requires an attitude of unselfishness.
• Helping others is a proven way to mitigate personal anxiety.
• Service includes helping the marginalized and defending those who cannot defend themselves.
• When we serve, we are acting exactly like Jesus.

Living Out the Answer

• We do not serve to be saved; we serve because we are already saved.
• Our lives should be the answer to the question, 'What would Jesus do?'
• We are called to partner with divine agencies to share God's love.
• The world is desperate for the message of salvation we carry.
• Take the camp meeting spirit back into your home, school, and neighborhood.

Lines Worth Remembering

• “Practice doesn't make perfect, but practice makes permanent.”
• “Prayer is opening of the heart to God as to a friend.”
• “Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to him.”
• “I don't do it because I'm trying to be saved. I don't do it because I need God to say, 'Hey, okay, since you're doing all of these things, I'll make sure you make it to heaven.'”

One-Sentence Takeaway

To effectively witness to the world, we must move beyond just calling ourselves Christians and intentionally practice the habits of solitude, prayer, and service that Jesus modeled.

If You Only Have 2 Minutes

• Acknowledge that there is a 'brand problem' where the world sees a disconnect between Jesus and his followers.
• Understand that spiritual habits must be practiced consistently to become a permanent part of your character.
• Prioritize solitude by disconnecting from media to spend time alone with God.
• View prayer as a friendship-building conversation rather than a list of requests.
• Combat personal anxiety and reflect Jesus by actively serving those in need.
• Remember that service is a response to salvation, not a requirement to earn it.
• Carry the inspiration of the mountaintop experience into the reality of your daily life in the valley.

References & Rabbit Holes

• Bible — Luke 5:16, Matthew 20:28, and the concept of 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10).
• Steps to Christ — A book by Ellen G. White, specifically page 93 regarding the nature of prayer.