This past week I read an article by Beth J. Harpez that was hanging in the teachers’ lounge at school. The title caught my attention quickly… “Is the newest generation of children the dumbest?” I found it online @ Boston.com under the title “Are we raising a generation of nincompoops?”
Link to article: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/09/27/are_we_raising_a_generation_of_nincompoops/
The more I read the article the more I could picture specific moments in my mind of teenagers @ The Place struggling with simple contraptions like tire pumps and water hoses. It honestly worries me that because people have simplified life so much…today’s generation will struggle in the future.
BUT…What worries me even more is the fact that for too long the same thing has happened with scripture. Jesus Himself told us in John 5:39 to “search the scriptures,” and find out for ourselves who HE is. Unfortunately, we as youth leaders want to simplify our youth groups and our message about Jesus. We add more games, more events, more social time, more entertainment, expect larger crowds, and then beg for a few minutes to talk to them about Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, the entertainment aspect is important…BUT…the message of Jesus is more valuable than anything else we could ever offer!
We’ve wasted too much time giving teens a “KNOWLEDGE” of Jesus…
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
We as leaders need to be showing teenagers what a “RELATIONSHIP” with Jesus is like. When they begin that relationship they will be given an abundant life that will begin TODAY…and last for ETERNITY! And this relationship will give them a passion to eagerly attain a deeper relationship with Him through His word!
John 8:32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
I guess it’s pretty…SIMPLE…
Glenn Dillon
& The Leaders
@ The Place
Followers
