#fauxstrength Are We Raising A Weak Generation?

"If you have run with the footmen and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses? And, in the land of peace, where you lived, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floods..." -Jeremiah, Old Testament (12.5)

Wow. As American teens, we are living in a setting that is unrealistic. Where our lifestyles are an inch deep and a mile wide. When things are going well, we are on top of the world. But, when things are not so well, we are down in the dumps. We tend to think that we are wealthier than we really are. We tend to live above and beyond our means. We tend to think that we are smarter than we really are. Thinking that we are better, stronger, faster. Believing that the world revolves around us. Confidence is not something we are struggling with in American teen life. A recent survey looked at the top thirty countries in the world and teen stats. Here are a couple of findings that seemed quite remarkable to me. Of the top 30 most developed countries in the world:

-American teens were ranked #1 in confidence, and, yet, #21 in science and #25 in math
-Asian teens were ranked #1 in education and almost last in confidence

I remember reading this quote by Bertrand Russel, a British philosopher who died in the 70's, talking about education and self-esteem..

"The fundamental cause of the trouble in the modern world is that the stupid are cocksure of everything, while the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russel

One thing I read this morning was interesting to me. Asian Americans are the highest-income, best-educated and fastest-growing racial group in the United States today. Surpassing the Hispanic immigration in the past 18 months. They are more satisfied than the general public with their lives, finances and the direction of the country. And they place more value than other Americans do on marriage, parenthood, hard work, and career success. All of this according to a comprehensive new nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center.
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/06/19/the-rise-of-asian-americans/


What does all of this have to do with my reading in Isaiah this morning? Let me break it down into two simple thoughts.

First, that we need greater humility in this teen culture. And that will bring a strength and confidence in our faith to carry us through life with great consistency. How does humility bring confidence? It places the confidence in a Creator God where it belongs. Whose ideas are original. Whose integrity is unwavering. Our strength tends to come from self. Because we do live in the most blessed country on the planet. We do have freedoms many teens do not have in this world. There is great potential here in America for us to grow up in a setting unlike any other globally. But, that should humble us. And I have found humility to be a real strength and not a faux strength!

Second, that we need a greater depth to our faith and life in this teen culture. I think that the church has been too shallow when it comes to our faith. We are so driven by emotionalism devoid of truth. We have our phrases and our 'go-to' statements that excite a crowd. But, is any of it believable in the world outside of the church and her walls? We must raise young people who know the Ten Commandments, could recite them, and are willing to live them. Young people who know the Sermon on the Mount from Jesus. As youth leaders today, we must raise young people who are not intimidated by seeking after truth. And the time it takes to find it. I believe that depth in our faith could be the lifestyle equalizer that changes the way we live. Where our words are not devoid of power and authenticity. Faith and education are not dis-associated. Actually, I don't believe you can separate them.

Finally, listen to these words from Jeremiah one more time. And pray these thoughts into your life.

 "If you have run with the footmen and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses? And, in the land of peace, where you lived, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floods..." -Jeremiah, Old Testament (12.5)

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