I listened to a radio programme a few years ago during a long drive back home. The radio programme host had two guests on the show. The first person was an older man and the second a younger man, whom I think was the president of a student union body at a higher institution. Their discussions were mainly about financial issues and how the older and younger generations were handling these issues. The discussions started well but turned into a debate which became fierce and vociferous. Both men, apparently, presented very serious points that substantiated their understanding of the subject matter of money and finance. What made this particular radio show broadcast stand out to me was that both men spoke in a way that seemed to stand as a voice for their generation.
Around the time I listened to this radio show, I also began to hear about names given to different generations. I intend to list these generational labels for the sake of awareness.
- The Greatest Generation (GI): Born 1901 – 1927
- Silent Generation: Born 1928 – 1945
- Baby Boom Generation: Born 1946 – 1964
- Generation X: Born 1965 – 1980
- Millennial Generation or Generation Y: Born 1981 – 1996
- Generation Z or iGen: Born 1997 – 2010
- Generation Alpha: Born After 2010
The grouping into more defined generational cohorts is said to have increased in the last few decades. This is not to say previous generations had not been identified in some way or the other. However, such social representations had never been used before. Since the beginning of the 20th century, we find new social attitudes and behaviours emerge that appear to inform the grouping of these generational eras.
An unexpected situation
A cursory search of the internet will provide a handful of descriptions of the generations given above. For instance, the Gen X cohort are characterized as being resourceful and logical, while the Millennials are considered confident and curious. Every website I found providing information about these generations are consistent in attributing the impact and influence on these generations to events and changes around them. These events include; wars, technological advancements and increase in knowledge, amongst others. Given the deep social impact of these changes, there also seem to be an imperceptible influence on different generations regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ, which has led to unpleasant outcomes.
The essence of the gospel was first declared by God Himself in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. God said, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15. Here, God was signifying that someone would be born to the world who would crush the head of the serpent (the devil). Since the fall of man, the gospel has sounded forth from one generation to another. But somehow, a generation came which seem to question the very existence of God and the relevance of the gospel, probably like never before. It was no longer convincing nor convicting to simply say “You need to believe because the Word of God says so.” Rather, these sort of declarations are met with a barrage of questions, both spoken and unspoken. Suddenly, every concept presented in scripture was questioned demanding further explanation and proof about biblical truth.
It is no coincidence that the Millennials are called confident and curious. This generational cohort was born about the time the Internet was invented, with the world wide web coming about a decade later. This opened the information superhighway that made information and knowledge so accessible. Gradually, there was so much information, much of which contradicted the Word of God. This resulted in a difficult situation on how best to process and address the scourge of information overload. On one hand, the technological progress seemed good but on the other, it opened the door which directly or indirectly questioned biblical truths and moral principles. I perceive handling these issues became a challenge for the older generation, who received the Word of God with more simplicity of heart. The developing situation quietly questioned the relevance of God, the gospel and the church in the lives of the younger generation. This narrative may not sound convincing to some, however, as “faith comes by hearing ….”, we cannot deny the fact that what we hear or feed our minds with has a strong influence on what we believe.
Three individuals in contemporary times who have made their mark in the world today were interviewed. As I listened to what they had to say about their journey in life, one thing was very consistent in their story; they all began as believers in Jesus and grew up in the church. However, in their teenage/early adult life, they had questions that they felt were not answered by the Word of God. Now these individuals are at the forefront of undermining the things of God. In fact, one of them has written a series of books, which are evil in everyway.
Now, with these individuals I have mentioned, we may be tempted to call them “sons/daughters of perdition”, which may well be the case. However, I also believe not everyone is a ‘son/daughter of perdition’. I believe some have fallen victim of ‘new age’ theories and philosophies and have become prodigals who need to be brought back to the Lord.
The intergenerational link
At a time when there is an increasingly gaping hole dividing older and younger generations apart, it is necessary to remind ourselves of the connections between every generation.
Biological link: Every human being is born of a man and a woman. It was God’s design for a man and woman to procreate, which ushers into the world one generation after another.
Moral and emotional link: Every child born into the world ought to receive loving care, provided first by the parents and others within the circle of love and support. No newborn child can look after him or herself. All must be cared for by someone else, which again establishes a strong connection between a younger and an older generation with an interflow of love that needs to be kept and nurtured.
Spiritual link: There is a spiritual link between every generation, whether we are aware of it or not. The Word of God is very clear about this. “…. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me. But showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Deut 5:9-10. God has made it clear that the actions of one generation will impact coming generations for good or for bad. We see this evidently and clearly in the world everyday.
I am sure there are other connections which link every generation together. However, these vital links are all under threat as younger generations are gradually told they are very different from older generations, backed up by social labels that support a narrative dictated by events and changes in the world.
A plea to the older generation
I am compelled to make a plea to the older generation on this matter under discussion. Over the years, the process of life formation for each generation is changing. I believe during your time while you were younger, things happened more gradually and time was available to process things better. Now, we are at a time when things are moving too fast, and the space to assimilate and decipher everything happening is hard to come by. Nevertheless, we have a lot of godly life lessons to learn and receive from you.
A few months ago I found letters sent to me by my grandmother. These letters were written over several years, the last of them written at least 20 years ago. These letters contained crucial counsel about life, including friends to keep, education, marriage and so on. What was so profound to me when I read these letters recently, was that every issue she raised within her letters to me I had encountered or experienced in a very definite way. She always ended her letters in a rather interesting way. She consistently requested I kept her letters to me and not lose them. I believe she preempted my immaturity and knew I was not old enough to understand nor fully appreciate the value of what she was saying to me. These letters are highly treasured now and well-kept with my valuable documents.
I believe every godly older person has an important role to play in the lives of the younger generations. You can see beyond all the frenzy of modern society and predict its end. I believe also, sometimes, all the changes in the modern world leave you bewildered. But thankfully, the old rugged truth never gets outdated. The younger generations need it to chart their course to a glorious end. Even if words may fail you on how to express these truths to a very different generation from yours, your prayers for the younger generations will go beyond words to secure help from God that can only be proof of God’s faithfulness.
A plea to the younger generation
Dear young friend, what can we say. What a privilege to be young. Additionally, what a time to be alive. Your generation (whatever the sociologists may choose to call it) is unique. Unique in many ways, but not in everyway. Anne, Princess Royal of the British monarchy, said something profound about her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II after her death in 2022. She was asked, “What made your mother a consistent/constant person most of her life and throughout her reign?”. Princess Anne answered, “My mother like any young person also came under pressure to be swayed by the changes in life and society. But she quickly realized that in life there are ‘constants’ and ‘variables’. She discovered that the variables were of little value, but the constants served her much better in life.” These ‘constants’ and ‘variables’ are still there today.
Friend, inventions and innovations that change society will always be around. However, the subtle effects of these changes can be dire to grasping things of utmost importance. The authenticity and validity of the bible is infallible. The Word of God is given as a “lamp to your feet and a light to your path.” But you may not be aware, that the enemy of our soul, secretly introduces things which influence and undermines our faith in the living God.
I do not intend to repeat what you may already know, however, I wish to leave you with three important points from the Word of God for your onward consideration.
- The Secret:
“ …. I will utter things kept SECRET from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35.
It can be very easy to take the Word of God for granted, but that will be costly. Many don’t realize that the bible is a heavily loaded secret. The content of the Holy Writ was given to His people and to as many who will find Him and follow Him. Not having the bible to guide us in this life is utter darkness. The prophesy about Jesus in the bible verse above was to make us aware, Jesus was just not anybody. He uttered secrets kept from the foundation of the world. In fact, it was after Jesus came that most of the old testament could be understood in the proper way. This should make you both excited and very curious. You’ll be glad to know Jesus never turned away any curious or inquisitive heart searching for Him.
2. The Key:
“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the KEY OF KNOWLEDGE. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” Luke 11:52 NKJV
There is something known as the KEY OF KNOWLEDGE. Divine knowledge needs to be unlocked to any true seeker of God. This comes only by the mercy of God. Your intelligence, cleverness, smartness and so on won’t cut it. To be granted access to such knowledge is an excellent advantage. Paul describes this in Philippians 3:8 AMPC “Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the OVERWHELMING PRECIOUSNESS, the SURPASSING WORTH, and SUPREME ADVANTAGE) of KNOWING Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him ….”
It is Jesus that unlocks true knowledge. As a matter of fact, Jesus is the Key of Knowledge. This is a Mystery.
3. The Test:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, ….” Proverbs 1:7 NKJV
No one would have thought a passionate seeker of God would need to be tested. The test is needed because passion on its own is not enough. You must show you are a true nobleman or noblewoman. God is a King (the King of kings), and He will not give precious treasures to those who don’t honour or fear Him. As you prove that you fear God, you are beginning to show that you have knowledge. Words are cheap, and saying you love God or fear God without showing you really fear Him isn’t knowledge at all. In fact, it shows you lack knowledge. But if with God’s help, you fear Him, this is true blessing.
A Final Word
Dear young friend, much has been said and some of the things written here may resonate with you. It may also explain your growing lack of interest or even antipathy to the Word of God. Whatever, your situation is, my hope and prayer is you’ve heard Jesus within it. You may be on the back foot from the devil’s deception or at the very precipice of darkness. Nevertheless, Jesus is calling you. Please respond to Him. It’s a heart-to-heart matter. Deep calls to deep. If you heard something in your heart from Jesus, respond today.
God bless you
Mystery of The Gospel 
Leave a comment