A World-Changing Generation

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Lazy. Entitled. Self-centered. Me-generation.  These are all words that have been used to describe the millennial generation of teenagers to twenty-somethings.  For nearly a decade now I have spent a significant amount of my time with this generation.  And while some of those descriptions may be true at times (and to be fair could probably be used to describe people of many age groups), I regularly get to see something different.
I have worked with this generation in my professional and personal life, in athletic, academic and spiritual settings. This generation is resourceful.  They are creative and passionate. They have grown up with social media and, as a result, are incredibly aware of its power and its influence in the world around them.  I consider it a privilege that God has placed a call on my life to work with these amazing world-changers on a professional level.  I get to work every day with kids who, no matter what is going on with their friends or at home, are standing up in front of their peers to share their love of Jesus.  When so many kids are using social media for negative things I see kids using Twitter and Instastories (series of videos/pictures on Instagram for my non-Insta user friends) to invite their friends to FCA huddles and events. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.”  I see that in these kids.  They are doing small things now, in their schools, that are going to yield a great harvest in the future.  It is a beautiful thing to watch and I’m so grateful that I get to play a small part in that.

Christina, an 8th grader at River Bend MS, leads a devotion at her huddle.

Screen shot from a student leader's Instastory, inviting friends to FCA
         I really do believe it is the responsibility of all of us with a few more years under our belt to disciple the generation behind us.  The thing about negative labels, whether we hear them from people around us or the enemy whispering them to our hearts, is that after a while, we start to believe them and even live up to them.   We can’t complain that this generation is lazy and entitled and all of the other things if we’re not willing to invest in them.  To those of you who already invest your time and resources, whether through FCA, teaching, community sports, or personal discipleship, thank you.   If you’re interested in learning more about the work FCA is doing with students in Loudoun County, please visit www.loudounFCA.org and consider registering to attend our Victory Dinner on April 22.  The event is free to attend and you’ll have a chance to hear more about Loudoun FCA, talk to students in our ministry, and learn about different ways to partner with us to pour into this amazing generation. 

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