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There is nothing more important than investing in this next generation so that they embrace the love and truths of God.
But how?
In their book “So the Next Generation Will Know”, Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace give practical reasons how we, as parents, can do that.
5 Things about This Generation Leaving the Faith:
From a study of more than fifteen years, they have found 5 things about young people who are leaving the faith.
Unfortunately, the group is large.
2. The problem is real.
3. The reasons are many.
4. The departure is early.
5. But, the future is still bright.
It may look like the church needs to do a better job of teaching spiritual truths but that’s only part of the answer. Young people want reasonable explanations and authentic relationships with adults they can trust.
McDowell and Wallace state that significant adults need to make a commitment to contribute to the importance of raising the next generation and we need to start early. We need to take on the tough issues of the Bible and we need to be patient with them.
They say the connection between truth and relationship is so important. We deed to have a balance between love and truth, relationship and doctrine, law and grace, mercy and justice.
When we truly love someone, we will take the time and effort to get to know them better. It’s more important to understand than to be understood.
Wallace and McDowell states “If we are going to reach young people, we must have an accurate understanding of what they think, see, and how they feel about the world.”
A Few Observations:
Here are a few unique observations about this generation due to their expertise with technology:
*They’re Digital Natives because they spend many hours a day on technology.
*They’re Researchers because they know how to educate themselves and find answers through technologies.
*They’re Visual Multitaskers because they use many social media platforms.
*They’re Impatient because they expect instant information from music to goods due to technology.
*They’re Racially Diverse because there is more racial and ethnic diversity in this generation than ever before.
*They’re Fluid. Technology has blurred the lines between many things that we adults thought of as fixed. This generation has greater fluidity with issues of sex, gender, and family.
*They’re Social Justice Oriented because they are more likely to engage in racial and sexual diverse causes.
*They’re Pragmatic because they have a realistic outlook on life and are worried about the future.
*They’re Overwhelmed. Two out of 3 teens feel overwhelmed by everything they need to do each week.
*They’re Lonely. Even though we are more connected than ever due to technology, our teens are missing human touch, interaction and personal connections.
*They’re Transparent because authenticity is important to them. They struggle to know who they can trust.
*They’re Post-Christian. A recent study shows only 4% of this generation has a biblical worldview.
What Do We Do?
So, What do We Do?
We must stay positive, listen to them and focus on what we have in common. We have more in common than what we might think.
The reason is simple. Every human is made in the image of God. We all want to be loved, to have meaningful relationships, to belong and to be significant.
One of the most important things we need to do is connect our hearts with the hearts of our children. McDowell and Wallace state that “Truth is best learned and sustained in relationship.”
A Lonely Generation:
The loneliness of this generation stems from broken relationships in the home. That is why this generation has so many addictions to consumerism, busyness, porn, social media, and video game.
Parents! Trust is an irreplaceable commodity!! If our children have an abusive father or one that neglects them, how can we think that they will have a healthy belief in a heavenly father.
2 Keys to Building Trust!
There are 2 keys to building trust with this generations. The first is knowledge. If we want our children to listen to us, we need to know what we are talking about. The second is through relationships.
10 Strategies for Building Relationships:
Warner and Wallace give us 10 strategies for building relationships with our children.
Share stories about your special memories, your upbringing, your hobbies, your successes and failures. Let them know you can relate with them by sharing life experiences and struggles.
Enter their world by watching their movies, listening to their music, eating at their restaurant, playing their video games. . .
Practice empathy by entering their feelings. We need to give them permission to share their feelings without being quick to judge.
Be a good listener by saying “You are important to me. I want to understand you so I can respond in a caring manner." Show empathy and maintain eye contact.
Express unconditional love that says “No matter what you say or do, I will always love you.”
Look for ways to mentor a young person. Include a young person in what you are already doing maybe by working out together, going hunting or fishing, or anything you are already doing.
Set reasonable boundaries with your children because in reality, they want it. 69% of youth feel parental online controls are a good idea.
Prayer is a deep way to show you care for your child even when your not sure how to fix something in their lives.
Eat together as a family. Studies show that kids who eat regularly with their family are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Engage in conversation with them. Most young people just want someone to talk to.
Love is the Answer:
Listen, love is the answer. Truth lands on the runway of love and relationship. Remember, listen empathetically, mentor from a place of wisdom and show concern for your child. Prepare your child for truth by gaining their trust through your love.
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