You and I know that the best parents are the ones who train their young ones to fly. They teach them how to become good managers of money, to solve problems on their own, and to be responsible. Good parents want their children to be successful in life.

The same is true of the Church. Christian leaders should be equipping the younger generation to take over and to lead God’s way. The Church will one day be relying on the next generation of believers to carry the torch that was lit in the first century – the torch Christian leaders have carried through the ages.

So the question then becomes: Are they ready? Is the next generation ready to lead the Church?

Here’s my take on it…

Many young people are well educated, good leaders, confident, and full of passion. They stand up for what they believe in. They have surely become pioneers and have made a difference in the world today.

But when it comes to leading God’s way? I’m not so sure.

I read an article  about how support for Israel is waning among young people. *Take a moment to read the article – it’s eye-opening. The author proceeded to list several reasons why their support is waning. Here are a few highlights:

The younger generation of believers is less biblically literate.
The younger generation of evangelicals is more relational than theological.
The younger generation has been heavily influenced by years of biased media reporting and anti-Israel sentiments on university campuses.

Let me discuss the first point – the younger generation of believers is less biblically literate. This is so true. The Church has been preaching watered-down truths for some time. And they are not teaching the WHOLE counsel of God’s Word. They sweep sin under the rug because they are afraid of offending. And they’re afraid of losing them.

I believe we’ve become immune to sin. We’re believing Satan’s lies. We don’t call sin sin any more. And without good solid teaching in the Church and giving them a firm foundation, young people are falling through the cracks. They’re getting weaker, not stronger.

FYI: I’m speaking of the corporate Church. There are certainly many churches equipping young people and hopefully, you are involved in one of those places where the mandate of Christ is at the forefront.

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In the New Testament, the apostle Paul led by example. He spent considerable time mentoring others. Timothy was one of Paul’s proteges. As Paul was getting older and his time of earth was coming to an end, he wrote two letters (1 and 2 Timothy) to his young pupil – the one who would soon carry on what Paul began. Let’s look at the second letter.

No doubt, the Church should follow the wise advice Paul offers Timothy. This is how we will become stronger. Ponder each phrase…

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.  2 Timothy 1:13

Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.  2 Timothy 1:14

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.  2 Timothy 2:2

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  2 Timothy 4:2

I hope you noticed that Paul was focused on TRUTH. Truth is at the core of the Christian faith and it’s important we pour it into others. Truth will dispel lies. Truth will lead us. Truth will help the Church survive. In the end, all that will be left is truth. 

It’s important we do not let our lifestyle influence truth, but that we let truth influence our lifestyle. But in today’s society, people aren’t willing to surrender their sinful lifestyle. Instead, they twist Scripture to fit their lifestyle. They look for Christians who will accept them for the way they’re living, rather than seek a way out. 

We need to stand on the side of truth and we need to train the younger generation in TRUTH.

This is what I’m doing. I’m praying that God will bring young ones into my life so that I can pour truth into them. I look for pupils I can mentor just like Paul did with Timothy.

I hope you and I will lead God’s way – that we won’t twist the truth, drift from it, or water it down. Let’s be a Paul to a Timothy.

I also hope you’ll join me on Monday nights starting May 14th at 7:30 EST for our “Walk in Truth” LIVE weekly broadcast. It’s gonna be amazing.

Blessings,