If you want to spark an interesting conversation, here’s something to try: ask a few older adults (and if you are one, ask yourself) what they think about the younger generation. Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get answers that range from downright dismal to tentatively hopeful.
Chances are you already know some of the things people think about today’s teenagers, so I won’t list them.
But you might wonder, what does a young person—a teenager—think about her generation?
I’m glad you asked, because that’s what I want to explore today.
(A caveat: I realize that I can’t speak for everyone in my generation. But drawing from my experience as well as conversations I’ve had with others, I think it’s safe to say that I speak for many of us.)
what I see
I believe with all my heart and soul that there is great hope for my generation. That’s not blind wishful thinking. It’s based on what I’ve seen in the lives of many young people whose paths I’ve been privileged to cross.
Over the past year and a half, I have encountered many people my age and younger through my involvement in the Young Writer’s Workshop. While the purpose of joining was to grow in my writing abilities, being part of this group has also transformed my perspective of my generation.
Before I joined YWW, I hadn’t met many people my age, and I didn’t think about them much. Now that I’m in touch with lots of fellow teens, I’ve realized some things.
I am not the only one my age who is hungry for a deeper relationship with God. I’m not the only one who cares about my faith and takes it seriously. I am not the only one who wants to use my teen years well.
I am one of many. And there are even more awakening to the truth.
Many of my peers are thinking deeply about life’s hard questions and digging into the Bible for answers. We’re having serious spiritual conversations, not because someone is forcing us, but because we want to—we need to. We’re asking how we can put our faith into practice and what it should look like for the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. We’re seeking to grow in godliness. And we’re encouraging each other along the way.
I have witnessed God at work in the hearts of many in my generation, and that gives me hope.
to the older generation
This part might be painful to hear, particularly if you are an older believer. But I ask you to please hear me out.
At this point, I’m more concerned about the state of the older generation than I am about the state of the younger generation. I see so many young people wanting to grow in their faith and so few older ones willing or able to help them. That troubles me.
When I interact with younger Christians, I often (not always, but usually) come away encouraged. I’m excited and challenged to grow in my faith. I think things like, Wow! If they’re like that at their age, I need to grow! What am I waiting for?
Sadly, when I interact with older Christians, the opposite is often true. I regularly come away discouraged. I’m challenged to grow, but in a much different way. It’s more like, I don’t want to be like that when I’m older, so I should start growing now. I think things such as, Shouldn’t they be more mature? I would have expected better given their age and how long they’ve been a believer.
Is it possible that my expectations for older Christians are too high? Certainly. Still, I can’t help but ask—shouldn’t it be different? Shouldn’t I be encouraged and uplifted when I’ve been around older Christians, not discouraged and downtrodden?
Please don’t get me wrong. I am not bashing all older believers. Some show signs of spiritual maturity and take the effort to disciple those coming after them. If that’s you, know that you are having a meaningful impact on my generation, and it is deeply appreciated. But from what I’ve seen, you are the exception.
We need more older believers to grow up and set a godly example for those following in their footsteps.
questions to consider
I believe that we should continue to pray for revival to spread, particularly among my generation, where the embers of faith have been kindled in so many hearts. But I have to ask: are we ready?
Am I?
Are you?
Are we prepared for the living answers to our prayers when they come?
Thank you for this Hannah. As an older believer I appreciate your insights. The truth of the matter is that sin has infected every individual heart in every individual generation. It is so easy to sweep a broad brush over a whole group of people- I am guilty of it myself. May you and I both continue to pray for individual hearts to be transformed by the renewing of minds in the word of God and in relationship with Christ. May we extend to others the grace that Christ had extended to us. Every single person walks a road that to us has many hidden forks- we can’t possibly understand everyone’s journey. But we can trust God to move and to shape and to transform. I love your heart for growth and agree that there is a need for older Christians to step up and pour into the younger generations. Keep writing, keep chasing after the light, Hannah! ❤️
You’re most welcome. That is very true, and I agree with your prayers and appreciate your thoughtful insights as well. Thank you! You too.
Hannah, this is beautiful!! Thank you so much for encouraging me today <3
Aww, thank you, Mia! I’m so glad to hear that. <3
Thank you Hannah Grace for sharing your insight on the subject of faith through today’s generations. You bring encouragement to all who read this. I will pray for your generation to be prepared for revival. I pray for everyone to become more fervently prayerful regarding revival. I also pray for you to be continually blessed to write and spread these precious thoughts. <
Thank you, Grandma Mary Ann. I appreciate your loving prayers and encouragement.*hugs*
This is such a wonderful article!
I believe there are two types of teenagers, and almost everyone is one or the other. The difficulty is that each side gets into their own place, and neither associate much with those who think differently. I talk to so many young people who really care about spiritual things, who think carefully, who have strong morals and great courage. It’s surprising and amazing to see.
On the other hand, I am still highly concerned for those in my generation and just a bit younger. While I talk to people online about their strong convictions and values, my younger sister is friends with and watches online the people on the other side of the spectrum. She defends them often. They’re the teens who want to spend their life making a name for themselves, gain as much popularity and money as possible, do not have regard for other people’s feelings, and more.
So I believe that young adults definitely have the power to rise up and show ourselves to be a generation who loves God, keeps His commandments, and wants to do everything for His glory. I also believe there are many who do not and will not care about other people. There are many of us who want to love and care for others and there are many who do not care about others.
In regards to the older generation, I completely agree with your thoughts. 🙂
I enjoyed this post very much. Thank you for your words!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and insights on this, Ann! I believe that is an accurate analysis, as it’s certainly true that not all teens are as I have described and that the different groups tend to associate with like types. I appreciate the insights you have to add.
You’re welcome!