After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10 It can be too easy to blame the current generation for their poor choices. We can sit back and shake our heads at the decline of morality and the apparent lack of old-school values. Unfortunately, it's not entirely accurate to point fingers of accusation at the present generation without admitting our own faults. Where is our level of blame?
- Have we taken the time to engage in dialogue about values so that they can be passed on?
- Are we sharing stories of victory in trials and how we managed to make it through?
- Are we also sharing stories of defeat and the lessons that we learned?
- Are we engaging this generation in a way that respects their passion & abilities while giving them a chance to contribute to the overall story?
- Do we recognize the need to be loving, patient mentors--not for our own sake, but for the purpose of helping someone mature and fulfill their potential?
- Do we understand that this has to be a journey together? It should be a shared investment of respect and unconditional love for it to truly benefit both people.
Leaders, churches, and families can't sit back and complain about the upcoming generation without realizing our responsibility to help raise them the right way. If we aren't willing to be part of the solution then we're just perpetuating the problem.
