unChristian

Judges 2: 10  After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. 

That's a verse that breaks my heart.  Because I see that it could describe America today.  The younger generations seem to be rejecting Jesus at an alarming rate; they know neither God nor what He has done for us.  I am currently reading a book called unChristian which unpacks extensive research done among the buster and mosaic generations in America (those in their teens through early 30's).  Their perception of Christianity is that most people who claim to be Christians act in a way that is distinctly "unChristian".  One of the most interesting and saddening discoveries of the research is that the majority of those people have in fact had personal experience with the Church before they reject Jesus.  Their involvement with the church leaves them with the impression that Christians are hypocritical, judgmental, and care more about being right than they care about people. 

I am passionate about reaching younger generations with the Truth of the Gospel.  But honestly, what I care most about is the next generation of Demetri's.  They are uniquely my responsibility.  I recognize that it is not enough that they know the answer to the questions in Sunday School.  They need to see real faith in the real GOD lived out in front of them.  They need to see me learning from Jesus every day, and obeying the truth that He reveals to me.  They need to see me loving God and people well.  They need to see me repent when I sin.  They need a home marked by love and grace.  They also need me to care enough about them to discipline them.  

By God's grace I long to live a life worthy of Christ, who has saved me.  May my children never claim that the Christians they know seem unChristian.  And may these three members of the next generation grow up to be radically passionate Christ-followers who know God and remember what He has done for us.