I’m currently in the middle of a series called One Generation Away that is focusing on the potential of this present generation.
Some people think that this generation is hopeless. And while sometimes all the signs seem to point that way, I have to disagree. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a generation that has more possibility or promise. This generation might be in danger of losing the truth and biblical values. But they’re also the generation that could change the world.
And for that reason, it would be tragic for us to fail them by not understanding what they need most from us. The list below isn’t exhaustive. But it is essential. If you’re trying to reach this generation without embodying these traits, your impact is going to be marginal at best.
1. Authenticity
This generation can spot a fake a mile away. And they won’t follow one. If you’ve been trying to reach them by pretending to be someone you’re not, stop it. Be yourself. God made you that way. He’s going to use you that way.
They don’t need the person you’re pretending to be. If they did, God would have led the authentic version of that person to them. What they need is the best version of you they’ve ever seen.
You can give them that.
2. Authority
If this generation is lost, it won’t be because they lacked friends. It will be because they lacked leadership.
We safely assume that this generation has more potential than any other in history to change the world. We dangerously assume that they know how to unlock it. Or how to channel it for optimal impact. Or how not to get distracted by low-level pursuits.
That’s where you come in. God hasn’t called you to be their buddy. And they don’t need you to be it either. They already had tons of those when you came around.
He’s put you in their life to be their leader. Their mentor. Their guide.
People believe that this generation is antiauthoritarian. They’re wrong. They’re just looking for someone in authority to lead them in a direction worth following. And to be a person worth following.
Be that person.
3. Audacity
If you’re not challenging this generation to do more than what’s humanly possible, you’re wasting their time. They believe in miracles. They believe they can do the impossible.
And you know what, they’re right. With God, they can.
More than any other organization or movement on this planet, the church should be a safe haven and incubator for audacity. Everyone else talks big, but in reality, they have limited resources. For us, there is no limit to what we can see God do through us other than our faith to believe Him for it.
Believe God to do big things through this generation. Challenge them to believe God for big things.
And don’t be surprised when it happens.
