You know who they are. You know where they sit. And you know what nights they show up. They're the danglers, and everyone in youth ministry deals with them.

Danglers are the kids who never fail to miss a pizza party, yet never seem to digest any of your meaty lessons. So there they sit in the rear of the youth group, for about four to six years, stuffing their candy wrappers between the stacks of foldout chairs.

As much as I want to complain about the danglers, and would like to ban them from youth meetings, I can't. The reason is simple. I'm a former dangler. I dangled in the youth group of my best friend that was held in the basement of her church of our small town. I showed up faithfully on the nights the youth leader would make Chef Boyardee pizza, the kind that came in a box with a crust as tasty as the box itself. Other dangling memories include taking a picture of a backed up toilet with somebody else's camera. So the only lesson I learned in that youth group was to always guard my Kodak Instamatic

But eight years after my dangling days were over, a string of things happened that made me think about God. Not just think about, but actually lead up to a decision to dedicate my life to Christ. One of the things that popped in my mind was danglin' with Chef Boyardee. The kindness of the youth group leader, who put up with goofs like me, left a life-changing impression. Even though I can't remember the youth leader's name, I will always remember her kindness.

So the next time you're aggravated with danglers in your youth center, don't focus on the amount of pizza they're inhaling or gum wrappers they shamelessly stick in hymnals. Instead, consider who they will be five years down the road. You have no idea how much your meeting can effect that kid, whether they let you know it or not. Danglin' with you today. Hangin' tight with Christ tomorrow.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Want great Bible lessons to share with Danglers and other hard to reach teens? Click Here