What's Up with Kids these Days?

In a world that often seems to be moving at breakneck speed, it's easy to find ourselves bewildered by the words and actions of the younger generation. We might catch ourselves asking, "What's up with kids these days?" But perhaps the more pertinent question is: "What's up with adults these days?"

As we contemplate our posture towards young people, we're faced with a profound challenge. How can we effectively parent, disciple, and interact with a generation that sometimes feels alien to us? This isn't a new dilemma. Even in biblical times, the apostle Paul wrote to the early church, encouraging and challenging them to invest in the young people in their lives.

The Jewish tradition has long emphasized the importance of nurturing future generations. There's an old saying that if we're hopeful for the days ahead, we'll plant trees – not for our immediate satisfaction, but to provide shade for generations to come. This wisdom applies equally to our spiritual lives. What are we doing to invest in and build the Kingdom of God? How are we planting spiritual trees that will benefit those who come after us?

In Deuteronomy 6, we find the Shema, a cornerstone of Jewish faith: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This passage goes on to instruct believers to impress these commandments on their children, to talk about them constantly, and to make them an integral part of daily life.

Paul echoes this sentiment in his letters to the early church. In Colossians, he advises fathers not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged. This guidance challenges us to consider our approach. Are we so entrenched in our ways that we make our children lose heart? Are we imposing our expectations and mandates, or are we impressing upon them the love of God?

The call to invest in the next generation isn't just about parenting. It's a broader obligation that extends to all of us. Young people are asking fundamental questions about identity, belonging, and purpose. Studies have shown that one of the primary reasons young adults leave the church is because they felt no one knew their name or took the time to invest in them.

This revelation should give us pause. In our efforts to create dynamic youth programs and exciting experiences, have we inadvertently created silos that separate generations? Have we forgotten the power of simply knowing someone's name and showing genuine interest in their life?

To truly engage with young people, we need to cultivate empathy and proximity. We must be willing to ask "why" when confronted with behaviors or ideas we don't understand. This isn't about changing their behavior, but genuinely seeking to understand their perspective. It's about creating a space where all are welcome to pursue their identity in Christ, where people can belong before they believe.

Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6 remind us of the transformative power of Christ: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." This passage challenges us to remember our own journey and to extend grace to those who are still finding their way.

In Ephesians 4, Paul urges believers to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This call to unity doesn't mean uniformity. It's about creating a community where diverse expressions of faith can coexist, united by our shared love for Christ.

So how do we put this into practice? The Growing Young study by the Fuller Youth Institute offers a simple yet profound insight: the number one reason young people stay in church is because people invest in them. This doesn't necessarily mean doubling our youth budget or hiring more staff. It means knowing the names of the teens in our congregation, the kids in our neighborhood, the young barista at our local coffee shop.

It's about creating meaningful mentorship opportunities and giving young people the chance to serve and be part of what we call home. One church found an innovative way to do this by inviting teens to join their senior adult ministry on a trip to the Grand Canyon. The unexpected intergenerational connections that formed on that journey were transformative for both the young and the old.

As we reflect on our own hearts towards young people, it's okay to acknowledge feelings of frustration, confusion, or even anger. But we're called to move beyond these emotions and see the opportunity before us. How can we be the answer to the relational equity these young people are seeking? How can we open our doors, lend a listening ear, and not be afraid of their hard questions?

Remember, it doesn't take grand gestures to make a difference. Sometimes, it's as simple as offering a cold drink and a listening ear, like the aging neighbor who changed one young person's life through weekly visits over cookies and soda.

In the end, our call is clear: to invest in the next generation, to plant trees of faith that will provide shade for years to come. It may be challenging, and we may not always understand, but in our weakness, God is strong. As we turn our eyes towards Him, may we have the courage to reach out, to learn names, to offer friendship, and to be the hands and feet of Christ to the young people in our lives.

Let us not ignore this call. Instead, may we be changed, moved, and convicted to be God's people in His church, bridging generational gaps and nurturing the faith of those who will carry the torch into the future.