6. Adoption of a Different Narrative
Young people are frequently becoming consumed with the demands of making a living and the desire for material success. The temptation to live a life based on gathering possessions and upward mobility is pervasive, and many find it too difficult to live a counter-cultural life based on following Jesus. The attitude becomes, “You can’t follow Jesus in the ‘real world.”
In our families and schools, we can inadvertently place the narrative of worldly success above that of being responsive disciples.
The lurking question in the minds of parents and Christian educators is: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
The expected answer is usually vocational: a doctor, a lawyer, etc.
CEN[1] suggest some alternative responses:
- I want to be kind.
- I want to be generous.
- I want to be loving,
- I want to be a peacemaker,
- I want to be faithful.
- I want to make wise decisions.
- I want to be gentle.
- I want to engage redemptively.
These things are not separate from the knowledge and understanding that we need to function in the world.
Our desire for our children is that they will exercise wisdom – having their gifts and abilities enhanced and developed and knowing how to live responsively to the Lord. How to love God and love people.
It is right to seek employment and opportunities where families can be supported, and life enjoyed. Parents and educators must seek to equip young people to fulfil a God-honouring life.
Whatever ministry we might be involved with; a tradesperson, a pastor, a businessperson, a parent – we do it in response to God; not according to the norms of the surrounding culture.
Blessings
Brian
[1] CEN = Christian Education National, A Vision for Our Students https://www.cen.edu.au/ accessed 08/02/2021