REACHING THE YOUTH; THE TRUE CHALLENGE FACING US TODAY!!!

The youth of the world seek to be left alone, to be, and to go through whatever, and I can, certainly, relate to this, as this is, partly, how we grow, yet, some could be saved SO much trouble, IF they would take to heart, certain matters, such as those we find in THE LORD, especially FROM people that have been there, done that! Of course, every one of us has our uniqueness to deal with, and that which affects the overall person we will become; then sometimes, *GOD* places us in circumstances to SHOW us, as we grow, but which, might not take root until later, some DIVINE lessons of our need of HIM, HIS unfailing LOVE, and HIS MIGHT!!!

Churches today are struggling to attract the youth, which is NECESSARY, for all the obvious reasons, but, I would like to remind Adults that the youth of today are WAY different than previous generations, in many ways! Most Children today, throughout their School years, have spent much time online, playing video games, and other such; MORE than they have socialized, or have been outside, AND, many, if not most of them, are alone much of the time, especially the ones from single Parents, and even those whom have both Parents at home, as economical woes keep the breadwinners very busy! Next, the youth of this country, have been exposed to enormous dysfunction, as well as negative influences from TV, movies, games, and what is happening in school, or, their own neighborhoods, and on it goes, which, has the frame of their minds, FAR removed from what is HOLY...

Then, HOW many Parents ARE devout, let alone going to Church regularly? We need to begin with the most influential persons in the young person's life! Also, we must not forget the hypocrisy found in many Churches, that young people are exposed to, which, I KNOW, for sure, can change an impressive mind QUICKLY about wanting to BE in Church!!!

Oh, and let's not forget that with there are new religious bans, and other such, which HAS stagnated a few areas of REACHING the youth! Not but a few generations ago, there was an ample amount of what I will call street Preachers; those who SPENT time out in the world, in HOPES of REACHING the people! Today, with all that is going on, including challenges in the 'hoods, these numbers are almost non-existent, in which case, many have taken it to the 'Net, though, it is NOT the same as BEING face to face with someone, hanging out with them, and encouraging them to listen, and think...

Church leaders, all the way down through the membership, need to consider the youth of today EXACTLY as they are, and THINK REAL long, and hard, to find ways to reach them! The old school ways won't reach them; though, after they have been reached, yet retain tried, and tested principles for KEEPING them around, but, at the onset, aren't going to offer a moment of their attention! These kids are sharp, and they aren't going to bite into any more of the same that has proven what the world around them is; troubled, messed up, and uncertain!!!

You can't be slick with them, you can't be too cool with them, you can't be anything other than REAL, AND ABLE to PROVE that you walk your talk, and that this walk IS RIGHT!!!

Let us PRAY for those who are struggling to reach the youth, and let us PRAY for the youth, their Parents, and all of those who have the power to influence them, or not! Let us ALL ponder this dilemma, as it IS SUPER important, because the Church, the body of CHRIST is INTENDED to GROW, GROW, GROW, then CONTINUE forevermore, and we DON'T want any precious young ones to be lost!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2013