Our Youth
Posted on August 12th, 2010.
by Chase Willsey
Director of S.O.S.’s CHAMPIONS project.
Today, August 12, 2010 the U.N. observes International Youth Day. The theme they have decided on this year is “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding.”
We know for a fact that technology and social media enable cross-cultural dialogue. This happens every day, and it is easier than ever before. This furthered communication is helping to foster greater understanding across cultural and national borders. The question that arises in me is, “For what purpose?”
Dwayne Weehunt, the president and founder of S.O.S. often remarks that, “Awareness without action is inoculation.” American youth are becoming more aware of other cultures and worldviews, but to what end? We live in the richest and most powerful country on earth. Our youth are afforded more opportunities as individuals than entire communities of young people will ever see in other parts of the world. In slums in India and other countries, a concept like the “American Dream,” has never even been considered. Their concern is their next meal.
I don’t think it appropriate to come down on American youth because we have more opportunities, influence and resources than most… I want to celebrate and thank the Lord for our country. However, I know that it is not by mere coincidence that I or anyone else was born or came to this great country.
My desire is that our youth would learn to steward the blessings with which we have been entrusted. It is not hard to draw a parallel between our lives and the story of the Talents in Matthew 25. Jesus explains the principle and outcome of stewarding that that has been entrusted to us. Jesus also tells us in Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.”
I believe it goes without saying that we are blessed so that we can be a blessing. We are doing our youth a disservice if we encourage awareness without teaching them how we the church can be the solution to the world’s greatest problems. No more should we allow any young people in our sphere of influence to believe that it is the role of any government to provide for the needs of our generation’s poor and marginalized. Governments alone cannot succeed.
With the Lord, we will always have a majority. The bible says that through Him, “all things are possible.” On this International Youth Day, I challenge you to pray not only for the world’s youth but also for our youth while considering how you can call and empower them to accomplish greater things.
If we forsake our youth, we forsake the future of the church and the future of the world.
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Thank you for sharing. This is great information that I can use in ministry with children as well as in raising my son. I pray that he grow up knowing the truth about our God and giving generously as he is blessed.