Take Responsibility Responsibly

Youth aren't stupid. They are growing and may lack understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.

The older they grow, the more exposure they get and the more people they meet.

Presenting them with the gospel requires concerted effort. Mature engagement is greatly lacking.

CHURCH HAS A RESPONSIBILITY

It is the church's responsibility to reveal the real Jesus to them. Peter talks about being examples to God's flock (1 Peter 5:3) — not only through praying and preaching. Much is expected from adults.

PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE

Parents have a key role to play because children spend the majority of their time at home throughout the week. But not all parents are able to fulfil this role — that's why the church plays a powerful part.

Believing parents need to be careful to stand firm in the Word. Never coddle children simply to win them over. Truth must always prevail over mere emotional encouragement. Yet truth is not devoid of godly emotion.

YOUTH NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE

The onus is not completely on the church or parents. Youth need to learn to make decisions in Christ. As young people, we are constantly making decisions in the world — how much more, then, do we need to be grounded in the kingdom of God? The greatest advantage we have is this: God fulfils His work in us. We need to stay surrendered.

As a church and as parents, if we don't give youth the space to make mistakes, we risk creating a generation that is perfectly false. In a shame culture, mistakes become taboo. Comparisons are drawn, and many families remain spiritually impoverished for years.

Jesus calls us to be witnesses everywhere by the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay humble and let grace flow.

Maranatha, praise God, and Amen