There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully. Proverbs 30:13, TLV

Where Do Today’s Generation Turn Their Eyes?     Ah, yes. The proverbial rolling of the eyes. The “whatever” attitude we see growing alongside an overall disdain for others different than us. But is this something new? Are the upcoming generations all that different from the previous generations? Yes. And no.

Each generation has a choice and a voice in speaking up for Biblical values. Each generation can turn away from truth and treat it as irrelevant to their life. Or each generation can fine-tune the working out of truth in their lives. To examine the relevancy of society, rather than Scripture fitting into society.

Sometimes when we see the actions of the younger generations, we can be critical, or maybe anxious. But I think we need to remember, these younger folks — from children to adults — were not raised in a vacuum. World events affected adults who then passed on their fears as well as experiences to their children. Life choices by adults were passed on to their children — the good and really bad.

There are characteristics from the younger generations I can admire. One overwhelming desire is to know the truth. The real truth. In too many cases, they don’t trust the previous generations to supply that truth.

From the G.I. Generation to iGens, every generation is affected by the culture of the previous generations. What is sown in the previous generation is reaped in the next. We may complain about younger generations, but what has our generation sown to get them there?

“One who sows injustice will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will perish.” Proverbs 22:8, TLV

“As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow harm, reap them.” Job 4:8, TLV

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6, TLV

“Do not be deceived—God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also shall reap. For the one who sows in the flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But the one who sows in the Ruach [Spirit] will reap from the Ruach eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8, TLV

If we understand where the younger generations are coming from, we can better know how to pray and communicate with them. Find ways to connect.

There’s a lot of rhetoric in the political realm that talks about “going back to when America was great.” That makes me nervous, truly. Yes, there are traditions and values I’d like to see returned.

However, America has made horrific mistakes. Mistakes that fly in the face of Biblical truths. Slavery. Prejudice. White supremacy. Anti-Semitism. Japanese POW camps in America that imprisoned American citizens. German POW camps in America that imprisoned American citizens. Eugenics. Do we want to return to those political and ethical beliefs?

Taking what we’ve learned within the boundaries of Biblical values is the ideal path forward. We will be finetuning how we walk out those values until our LORD returns.

We know that all generations need the love of their Heavenly Father. All generations need the atoning sacrifice of His Son. All generations need the wise counsel and conviction of His Holy Spirit. We are the same in this. It’s something we can build on with God’s wisdom and discernment. We can turn our eyes toward the pursuit of truth and connection. And that’s a good thing.

Think More About It

Where are your eyes looking? How do you connect with younger generations?

Until tomorrow, may we be the generation that turns our eyes to the pursuit of truth, my friends.

A psalm of David.
ADONAI [ LORD], who may dwell in Your tent?
Who may live on Your holy mountain?
The one who walks with integrity,
who does what is right,
and speaks truth in his heart,
who does not slander with his tongue,
does not wrong his neighbor,
and does not disgrace his friend . . . Psalm 15:1-3, TLV

Let us agree today to walk with integrity and do what is right. As we become a voice for Israel—all Israeli citizens—may we speak truth and not react in ways that disgrace our faith and family. God bless you!