The #1 source of influence among our young people today is technology. It is like a spiritual guru dominating our culture, enshrined as an idol, and occupying a place of prominence in the homes of most Americans.
Battle of Hearts and Minds
The stuff that steals your attention will always include a dramatic life-on-the-edge situation, rewarded with quick cash, pretty people, controlling personalities, and a persistent sexual invitation. Evidently the competition has become so cutthroat for your viewing time that the entertainment conscience of our country created the following kind of shows:
- Seduction Island
- Surviving Obnoxious People
- Xtremely Flirty Football
- Who Wants to Call a Friend
The advertisers wait in line to finance these adventures, paying more money for a 60-second spot than you will ever earn after 30 years and 60,000 hard working hours!
These media minds are convinced that they can get you to buy things you don’t really need; with money you don’t really have, to make you feel satisfied, secure and just a little bit superior. But like the latest ecstasy drug, it is just an artificial reality that is short lived with crashing down consequences.
I am reminded of the words of a young missionary who died a martyr, but left this insightful statement:
“He is no fool who gives what he can not kept, to gain what he can not lose.”
Cutting the Cord
The love for the world and the things in the world has seduced our young people into a spiritual coma. Yet all the excitement, drama, wonder, and extreme experiences that you are looking for can be found in a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. Nothing is more adventurous and fulfilling that living for The Lord.
I am not taking about “playing church.” I am talking about being the church. The church is people, not a building or a weekly entertaining program that nurtures the flesh. It is the Word of God and the Spirit of God that gives you faith, hope, and love.
I am praying for you teenagers and you twenty-something people. I know about your big struggles; the important people that failed you, your own spontaneous decisions that have been painful, your lack of purpose and direction, wondering how in the world your going to make it and, of course, wondering if there’s anyone who would accept you as you are and love you faithfully in marriage for a lifetime.
I apologize if my generation misleads you into thinking that life is all about careers, cars, cosmetics and cash. The words of Jesus will provide the best council for all of our lives. Jesus said to be careful of greed and materialism, because our life does not consist in the abundance of the things we possess. If we lay up treasures for ourselves on earth and are not rich toward God, then we will have committed an eternal mistake.
May the passion of your heart be influenced by the grace of God and not the stuff on the screen. May you have the mind of Christ and not the mind of the media. May your soul rejoice in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. May your life experience the strength of God’s love as He leads you with His living words and by the power of His Holy Spirit.
May you say: “The Lord (and not technology) is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
