Would you agree that we need a generation of young people who are well-trained, who evidence character and integrity, who are fully-dedicated to Christ, and who are being prepared to wholly serve Him?  The need is great. There are young people everywhere.  And there are many, many who are saved and who really do want to serve Jesus.  They enroll in Bible and Christian colleges, attend Bible studies, and want God to use their lives.  What can we do to influence them and point them in the right direction?  May I offer five suggestions to those of us who are older:

1. Remember that gentleness and kindness always draw people to you.

“Let your moderation be known to all men,” Paul told the church at Philippi (Philippians 4:5).  The fruit of the Spirit is “gentleness,” he told the church at Galatia (Galatians 5:22-23).  “Be ye kind one to another,” he told the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:32).  Gentleness and kindness do draw people to us.   Showing grace and smiling still touches hearts. Taking time to listen and to simply inquire as to how someone is doing helps to win their heart.  Being patient is part of that package and is essential. We can’t help if we aren’t winning hearts first!

2. Remember that “just” talking is a great way to mentor.

Our generation is largely untrained. Some have never had a job of any kind. Some have never had to sacrifice much of anything.  Some have never cleaned a bathroom.  Over the past 50 years or so, society changed from morality-based-training to self-awareness-based-training.  As a result, an entire generation is largely self-focused, often insecure, and also lacking in everything from social skills to discipline to character. Our emotional quotients (EQ) are at an all time low. What can we do about that?  We can just talk! We have to spend time with young people and talk with them about how to act and how to respond and how to make a life. We have to explain things to them and be patient as they process our explanations. We have to provide good role models. We have to teach and train. We have to invest ourselves – on purpose – if we are going to mentor and influence a younger generation.

3. Remember that edification is always powerful.

Some months ago I visited a chapel service at a Christian Bible college.  The pastor of the local church associated with that college addressed the crowd that morning and told the student body how thankful he was for their work of faith and labors of love over the past weekend. He thanked them for sacrificing and for giving of themselves. He praised them for their work in seeing souls saved and reminded them that they were being used by God and were an incredible asset to the church he pastors. His words of edification were encouraging and strengthening!  Later I listened to Dr. Troy Shoemaker, President of Pensacola Christian address the student body with the same spirit.  He was kind. He was open and honest. He was loving.  He was encouraging.  He also addressed several matters of importance, and by his spirit of edification and gentleness, won hearts and effectively challenged, directed, and influenced those who are under his leadership.  Edification is powerful and edification works.  

4. Remember to stay focused on the “more important” things. 

Have you ever heard someone say that “we should keep the main thing the main thing?”  Sometimes the one saying this is more focused on other things than they are on “main” things.  For instance, some can seem to be more focused on things like how you dress for church rather than whether or not you are growing in the Lord. I have met many immature and carnal believers who were “dressed to the nines” and I have also met some very mature and Godly believers who were rather casual (and vice versa). Personally, I prefer the former.  I just know that some things are not as important as we sometimes make them.  In other words, I believe many things are important, but they don’t rank as “more important” things!   What do we want from this generation?  We want them to know our God and love Him. We want to influence our generation to love God’s Word, know it thoroughly, and apply it to the way they live their lives.  We want them to be “all-in” for God and willing to follow Christ and live for His sake and the gospels.  We want them to join the great cloud of witnesses who lived by faith and “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, [and] obtained promises” (Hebrews 11:33).  Those are what makes Christianity successful!  Let’s stay focused on those things.

5. Remember that “old-school” methods are not effective.

Do you know what I mean by old school methods?  I mean things like “just work them hard” and “make them do hard things” and “don’t pay them very well” and “give them minimal time off.”  I mean things like “chewing them out” from the pulpit or in front of their peers.  Those days are long gone, and in my opinion, should have never been.  None of us should be harsh in an effort to produce orderliness and compliance. We should never embarrass people from our positions of authority and leadership. We should not drive people away by being condescending.  It won’t work.  Complaining about them won’t work either.  While “old-school” methods of that sort have never been right, they will definitely damage people in this generation.  Sometimes they drive them from our movement or from our church. Sometimes they drive them from our Lord too.  Re-read my first point!  I believe that there is a better way.

Every young person I know wants to be mentored and influenced.  Let’s all work together and perhaps this generation will become a “revival” generation.  That would be awesome! That is my prayer.

In a few days I am going to write another article.  The next one will be focused on encouraging our younger generation to seek mentorship and influence and also to receive it.  

Thanks for reading.

Your sincere friend,

Dave Young