Raising young men and women for the future

Study1 – The Lamentation Of A Generational Gap

Deut. 6:6-9; Judges 2:1-12; 2 Tim 2:1-2

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10.

The future of every nation, family, and church depends on how well one generation passes on its faith, values, and knowledge to the next. A broken or perverse spiritual legacy will result in the tragic lamentation we see in Judges 2:10. A number of questions are obvious.

Questions

How did Joshua, who had an excellent record of followership in his days as a youth (Exo. 33:11), miss it? (Eyewitnesses’ generation of elders died without any spiritual impact apart from testimonies of crossing Jordan, conquering territories, etc. Sometimes, faith that is based on testimonies without proper intentional nurturing can create a gap).

How did America, whose founding history is rooted in God, degenerate to the point where Bibles were THROWN out of schools? (Increase in knowledge, failure of succeeding generational leaders to follow the footprints of founding fathers, etc.).

The graphic illustration of the transitional failure is even more painful when we read of the history of Joshua’s spiritual exploits and growth as a youth.

And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD that he did for Israel. And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. Judges 2:7, 10.

Causes of a Generational Gap

1. Failure to intentionally pay special attention in teaching our children the word. The greatest interest today is to raise funds for them to travel abroad, obtain residence, and sadly in some cases when their parents die, they send money for a societal burial while they remain there and watch proceedings of the burial on the pages of social media.
2. Total neglect and breakdown of family discipleship due to the mad drive for breakthrough.
3. Impact of societal culture that ruins, wrecks, and erodes the foundational rudiments of our faith.
4. The crazy impact of the sweetness of stolen waters (forbidden pleasures) that expire almost immediately it is consumed. Prov. 9:13-18.

Discussion

Briefly mention the danger signs of a possible generational gap that are noticeable in the church and society today? (Rapid embrace of worldly values, ad hoc mixture and unholy blend of Christianity with sociality, freelance lifestyle without recourse to eternity in hell, etc.)

 

Study 2 – Strategies For Helping Difficult Youths Bridge The Generational Gap 1

1 Sam 2:22, 25; 2 Sam 15:13-14, 30; 1 Kings 12:12-14, 16-20; Malachi 4:5-6

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. Titus 2:3-4

Leadership, either in the church or society, must be entrusted into capable hands. Appointing who becomes a leader, even at the counsellorship level, is key to the future of the community and the success of the church. The “man know man” approach, “god-fatherism,” connections, etc., are key foundations to a destructive future.

Helping “difficult” youths bridge the generational gap requires more than correcting behaviour—it involves building trust, understanding their context, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection.

We do not read that Absalom was engaged in any meaningful position to understudy his father. The lecturer that demands money or any form of kindness from his student before scripts are marked is a contributor to a bleak future. The strategies include:

1. 1. Identify the Peculiarities of the Youth. 1 Sam 2:22-25; 2 Sam 15:12-14, 30; Mark 9:17-27; Luke 15:11-14

Difficult and stubborn youths have an overwhelming influence over those around them. Most children that are into smoking and drinking will tell you that they were lured into such by their association. Identify the peculiarity of the child and address it intentionally. Seek counsel from others. Call the child to a discussion table, and if this fails, seek help.

Discussion:

Look at the characters in the passages in (1) and discuss the possible ways their crisis would have been handled or at best curtailed?

1. 1. Mentoring Through Mutual Respect, Humility, and Love. Eph. 6:1-4; 1 Tim 4:12; Titus 2:1-8
      • Endeavour to build relationships to enable an effective pathway for correction. John 15:14-15
      • Pay more attention to listening than speaking.
      • Consciously learn about their interests and know the associated challenges before you can guide.
      • Trends that are not consistent with scriptures must be analysed in this light, avoiding ambiguity (dressing, fashion, relationships).
   2. Communicate with Grace and Respect. Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:16

Harsh criticism and shouting can build a strange resistance. For some, they can build shock absorbers for your shouting (noise).

1. • Speak words that build others up. Prov 15:1; 16:24; Eph. 4:29 (NIV); Col. 1:28; 3:16
   • Correct privately when possible. Matt 18:15; Eph. 6:4
   • Encourage before criticizing. 1 Thess 5:14; Col. 3:21
   • Focus on correcting behaviour rather than labelling the person by the act. John 8:10-11
   • Replace condemnation with constructive guidance and prayer.

Study 3 – Strategies For Helping Difficult Youths Bridge The Generational Gap 2

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. ~ Judges 2:10

Discussional

Each class is to discuss the points raised.

Recognize Changing Trends and Mirror in with Biblical Realities to Combat Them

Josh 1:8-9; Dan. 9:2; 12:4; John 5:39; 2 Tim 2:14-15; 3:16

Each generation faces unique opportunities, changes that define their way of life such as men plaiting their hair, sagging of trousers, yahoo, yahoo, nose rings, extension lashes, strange finger nails, pressure to meet up with their peers, illegal use of AI tools for crafty purposes, etc.

Strategies:

• Understand the influence of technology, social media, life changes and discuss them through a biblical focal lens. Daniel understood the cultural difference that was alien to his Christian practice as soon as he was brought into Babylon and he took a decision on what to do. Mention others. Dan 1:8; Acts 17:16-22
• Avoid dismissing every new idea simply because it is unfamiliar; explore such ideas through the scriptures, examine the pros and cons, and give guidance or counsel in the light of the scriptures. Acts 5:34-40; 17:11; 1 Thes 5:21
• Help them develop biblical discernment and not base their minds on things which are temporal. Rom 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17

Create Safe Spaces for Honest Questions

Youths often wrestle with difficult questions about faith, identity, purpose, emotional challenges, and influence.

Strategies:

• Welcome sincere questions proffering answers in line with scriptural standards. Titus 3:9
• Respond patiently and kindly even when you know they are obviously wrong. Share your life examples, especially where you went wrong for a corrective purpose. 1 Sam 3:3-10.
• Admit when you need to research an answer or make a referral to a senior minister who can step in to help.
• Encourage thoughtful engagement with Scriptures.
• Create an enabling environment such as seminars, orientation, guidance, etc., where these subjects are taught rather than assumed.
• Let them own such sessions. This injects or increases commitment. 1 Tim 4:12
• Their programs should include: creativity, talent display, talk shows revolving around current trends in the church and the society.