Feelings of anxiety and hopelessness amongst our youngest generations have increased dramatically. A simple Google search will yield countless articles on the subject, both academic and popular, yet so little wisdom and instruction. The growing fear and futility is attributed to the failing of our culture and society to provide hope through civic leadership, the economy, and our new social structures. On an individual level young people are bombarded with choice: Levi’s offers more than 200 types of women’s jeans, the University of Toronto over 700 undergraduate degrees, and Apple more than 2,000,000 apps for their iPhones. “You can do anything!” has been the parental and school mantra, yet one must wonder if the task of choosing is both dizzying and paralyzing. With limitless options is there any room for making a less than absolutely perfect choice?
It goes without saying that the vast majority of studies and popular musings avoid faith-based answers. Yet our Christian hope offers sure answers to the longings, concerns, and queries of every generation. The writer of Hebrews recognized the timeless cry of the human heart for assurance and the recognition that it comes from something “greater than themselves”. As surety, God gave his people promises based upon his own unchangeable character, Word, and purposes. Guaranteed by an oath that he swore by upon the greatest authority – his own. All so that his people, the “heirs of the promise”, would have: “a refuge”, a “strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us”, and a “steadfast anchor of the soul” (cf Heb 6:13-20).
How can we help our children and young adults? The myriad options presented by moral and cultural relativism are not the answer. Sadly, all too often, such relativism has also become the norm and voice within our Christian homes and churches. As much as I know we need to uphold the truth of God incarnate and the Lord Immanuel who is with us and for us, our young people don’t need to see God as their “buddy” or “life coach”. I truly believe they long to see, hear of, and experience the God of the Bible. The God who is perfectly just, and lovingly merciful. The God who is clear and tough on sin, yet accessible and trustworthy with his forgiveness. Even “black and white” prophetic truth is palatable, though challenging, so long as the basis for it is God’s gospel rather than man’s self-righteousness. The gospel allows us to live in authentically generous community that acknowledges pain, brokenness, and sin, expects transformative change, yet rests in confident assurance of the Lord’s faithful love. Christian hope, offered clearly and honestly, grants meaning and purpose to a generation long on choice and short on direction.
The call of Jesus to follow him, laying down all, against a backdrop of a culture that says “hold on to everything” is the most compelling message of hope we can offer the next generation. Do we want to see the gifts and passions of our children and young adults flourish? When we remove the paralyzing task of creating and serving self, and substitute the words of Christ to every generation: “anyone who wants to be first must be the last, and the servant of all”, I trust we will also see a generation who embraces life and all its opportunities to give, love, and serve.
This advent season I encourage our parents and grandparents to lead the way in anchoring our lives on the true and living hope of Jesus Christ.
Much love,
Pastor Gary
As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.