Dear BPCWAians, We saw last week regarding how TIME magazine has well described the trend in the generation today, “Never have the young been so assertive or so articulate, so well educated or so worldly. Predictably, they are a highly independent breed, and—to adult eyes—their independence has made them highly unpredictable.”

Quoting TIME magazine, “This is not just a new generation, but a new kind of generation.” We covered the changes in societal attitudes in the younger generation, and also the changes in attitudes towards the young. What does the Word of God have to say about the young in relation to the nation and adults?

God’s Word about the young concerning nations and adults. How should Christians view the behaviour and mindset of the mass of teen led activists on strike around the world; and world leaders looking up to teens because “the world is changing faster than ever, and the young are the ones who see what’s happening.”? What thoughts crossed your minds when you read last week’s pastoral about teen led activism around the world? Shocked? Or were you also enraptured by what seemed to be a youth with a mission and a passion to carry out that mission? Ultimately, as Christians, we must look at the world around us with a Christian worldview i.e. how God views all these.

1. Behaviour of the child towards the elders and leaders. Isaiah 3:5 well describes the same arrogance and assertiveness of the young over even world leaders today. Today, we have a similar reoccurrence of those days,

“And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every  one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable” (Isa 3:5). This speaks of boisterous pride (think of the street protests today), and brash and insolent behaviours. The ancient means those older and more mature than them in age. Is this happening in our churches and our homes as well? Honour towards elders and authority figures in society and homes is old fashioned. They will shout and abuse those older and more honourable than them. Were these not the very scenes we were witnessing in the 1900s, even before the recent teen led activism around the world? What can it signify in God’s eyes?

1. Woe pronounced when the very young leads. In God’s Word, whenever a nation is led by the very young, it is a sad reflection of the time, “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!” (Ecc 10:16). Here, the Preacher expresses woe to a country which is led by a child, referring especially to immaturity, lack of experience, and naivety. This is because one who is of immature age is filled with folly and intemperance, behaving in a way that is led by their own pleasure and interests because of their still limited and narrow view due to their age and inexperience in life. Society and homes that are ruled by children will have sorrow and trouble because of the immaturity of their thinking. It is a sign of the woeful spiritual bankruptcy of society, home, and church when babes and children assert leadership, are allowed to do so, and when the more mature allow themselves to be led by the immature ones.

One may argue that these verses are not necessarily about those  younger in age and that adults may be immature too. I too would agree that adults can be very immature these days. But the fact that God uses the comparison with children, it is to be understood that, by and large, immaturity, irresponsibility, and naivety are characteristics associated with children. Hence, the norm that God intended is that children and young people were never intended to lead anyone, least of all adults who should actually be ruling over the young. Those who put themselves under children and young people (who are feebler in their thinking and maturity) are foolish.

1. It is a sign of judgement from God when the very young leads. “And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them” (Isa 3:4); “As for my people, children are their oppressors . . . O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths” (Isa 3:12). God warned Israel that when they see this happen in their midst, they must sit up and realise that it is a sign that they have slipped back and He is chastising His nation. God said that He is humiliating the people when He makes children princes and have them lead the people, with children telling the people what to do as they rule over them. Both young people and adults must understand this fact in their hearts. Neither the young or the adult should desire such a situation.

What is the right Christian mindset in such a global wave of young teenagers making their voices heard, being lifted up as global leaders, even at homes and telling adults what to do or else? What if there is indeed a genuinely valid issue to be addressed? How should adults view and respond to the young? God willing, we shall look at these next week.

Yours in our Lord’s service,

Pastor