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In a world that often seems to be spiraling out of control, it's easy to look at the younger generation with concern or even judgment. But what if we've been approaching this all wrong? What if, instead of seeing the next generation as our replacement, we viewed them as our reinforcement?

What Does the Bible Say About Generational Discipleship?

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture consistently emphasizes God's heart for generations. He is not just the God of today, but the God of yesterday and tomorrow. He's always been about preparing for what's coming and partnering with us to reach the next generation.

In Psalm 78:5-8, we find clear instructions:

"For he issued his laws to Jacob. He gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children so the next generation might know them, even the children not yet born, and they in turn will teach their own children."

The message is clear: we have been instructed to teach our children. Parents are the number one pastors in their children's lives—not the church, not youth pastors, not children's pastors. While these supports are valuable, the primary responsibility falls on parents.

How Do We Build Faith That Lasts?

The pattern in Scripture shows us that first, children learn to trust God, and then they learn to obey Him. Yet we often get this backward, demanding obedience before establishing trust. How can anyone obey someone they don't trust?

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 gives us a framework:

Recognize that "the Lord is our God, the Lord alone" - He must be the God of everything in our lives

Love Him "with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength" - an all-in kind of love

"Commit yourselves wholeheartedly" - half-hearted faith won't inspire the next generation

"Repeat them again and again to your children" - talk about God naturally throughout daily life

 

Why Are Young People Leaving the Faith?

Research shows that many atheists and agnostics in America were raised in religious households. When asked why they left, many say, "It was never in my heart" or "It was so legalistic."

If our hearts aren't truly in our faith, how can we expect our children's hearts to be? If we're just playing church or treating Jesus like a genie in a bottle, our children see through that hypocrisy.

How Should We Talk About God With Young People?

A critical insight: God and His Word were never meant to be weaponized. We must stop using Scripture against our children and start using it to build them up.

Yes, discipline is biblical, but Scripture speaks far more about God's love, pursuit, and plans for us than about correction. If all young people hear about God is what they're doing wrong, no wonder they run as far as they can.

Instead, we should be telling them:

God sees you

He knows you

He has a plan for your life

You are not a mistake

You are fearfully and wonderfully made

You are blessed and highly favored

 

What About This Generation Gives Us Hope?

Throughout biblical history, God has always preserved a remnant—a group of people who remain faithful amidst widespread unfaithfulness. Today is no different.

There is a movement happening among teens and twenty-somethings who are on fire for God. They're done with fake Christianity. They're done with trendy church. They want truth. They want authenticity.

They don't need us to be cool—they need to see the Jesus in us. They're looking for what's real.

How Should We View Young People According to Scripture?

Psalm 127:4 says, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth."

We are not called to protect young people from the world but to equip them, pull them back, and launch them out to be the biggest threat the enemy has ever seen.

1 Timothy 4:12 reminds us: "Don't let anyone think less of you because you're young. But be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

Life Application

The challenge before us is clear: Will we partner with the next generation instead of just critiquing them? Will we be the reinforcement they need rather than expecting them to be our replacement?

This week:

Identify a young person in your sphere of influence - a child, grandchild, neighbor, or someone at church

Invest in them intentionally - not just with words of correction but with words of affirmation and encouragement

Pray specifically for them - when God brings them to mind, it's not just your bladder waking you up at night; it's an invitation to intercede

Share your authentic faith journey - including your struggles and how God has been faithful

 

Ask yourself:

Am I weaponizing Scripture or using it to build up the next generation?

Do my actions align with my words when it comes to faith?

Am I more focused on what's wrong with young people or on how God might use them?

What practical step can I take this week to partner with a young person in their faith journey?

 

Remember, the next generation was born for such a time as this. They face challenges we never encountered, but God has appointed them for this moment. Our job isn't to criticize from the sidelines but to run alongside them, pushing them forward to become the men and women God has called them to be.