To the extent that we are broken about something is the extent that we will do something about it
Last week we began to familiarize ourselves with this younger generation, what they are influenced by and what they think. But if we are going to begin to make a difference, we must get close to them.
This is ot easy, the younger generation often thinks and acts differently and that can keep us away for fear and not wanting to get too close. The Church often keeps at arm’s length those who look and think and live differently.
Yet, look at the way Jesus lived:
Luke 19:1-10 Jesus and Zacchaeus
John 8:1-11 Jesus and the Woman caught in Adultery
John 4:7-15 Jesus and the Woman at the Well
What do these accounts tell us about Jesus and about how we are called to engage a younger generation?
In each case, Jesus gets close to those who are different culturally from him.
Loneliness is an epidemic- particularly in our younger generations
There is power in friendship!
- It’s easy to be friends with those like us but we are called to reach out to everyone. Luke 6:33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
- Friendship humanizes people
- Friendship allows us to demonstrate the Gospel
- Friendship helps us understand others perspectives
- Friendship lets us earn the opportunity to speak the truth
But there are challenges inherent in getting closer to our young generation.
The challenge of the Lie of Affirmation
Our youth culture demands affirmation, and we can feel like to befriend someone who has different values or different lifestyles is to affirm their values and lifestyles.
In light of the scriptures we read earlier, what this Jesus’ perspective and attitude?
“Jesus beautifully demonstrated a contrary truth. He showed us that association and relationship with “sinners” is not synonymous with affirming their lifestyle. He freely associated with people who had been marginalized from society because of immoral lifestyles, yet he didn’t hesitate to challenge them and tell them to “go and sin no more”” Aaron Pierce, Not Beyond Reach
The challenge of Relevance vs Holiness
Relevance means being present with people to really know and understand them. It’s about learning how other people see the world so we can communicate with them effectively.Holiness, on the other hand, is about being set apart- being different and distinct.
It’s easy to err on either side of this tension.
In order to transform culture, we have to be both present in it and distinct from it!
How do we then live in the World? Some practical tips
- Be clear that you are a follower of Jesus
- Don’t be surprised that non-Christian’s act in unbiblical ways
- Don’t flaunt your moral convictions; Instead, let people see your supernatural hope, love, joy and peace
- Be intentional about connecting- But don’t forget that we don’t befriend others with an agenda or as a project. Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
- Start with your sphere of influence
- Expanding your sphere of influence-Be relationally present in secular places
- In all of this, be patient. Don’t feel pressure to make something happen. We are not he one who does the work here. 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
- Just be yourself, no pressure to know all the answers.
- In our relationships: Listen, Ask, Listen. Truly listen to understand.
Conclusion
Ask God to highlight one person and one place you can focus on.