In a world where the pace of technological advancement is ever-increasing, we find ourselves navigating a divide between generations like never before. So, how do we relate to the people who came before us and the people coming after us?
In this episode, Whit and Casey talk about passing the baton to future generations, leaving the past behind, and simple steps of obedience.
God has been up to something from the beginning of time, and He is the center of the biblical story. He’s doing something bigger than you, and it will continue in the generations after you.
We’re not called to be a dead end. We are meant to lead others to blessing.
However, the difference between generations has never been more pronounced than in today’s world, where the acceleration of technology creates a greater divide between those who grew up with rotary phones and those who have smartphones.
This gap can make it challenging to understand and communicate with one another. However, as followers of God, we’re called to bridge this gap–to pass the baton on to the next generation.
C.S. Lewis once coined the term “chronological snobbery,” which refers to the tendency to believe that the present age is superior to all that came before it. To overcome this, we have to acknowledge that life isn’t just about our own experiences and successes; it’s about passing on a legacy to the generations that follow.
In a society marked by radical individualism, we must have the humility to admit that our perspective is not the only perspective. It’s important to remember we can learn something from the people around us.
We need to invite others to hear our perspective, but they must feel understood first. It’s a two-way street of communication and respect.
While it’s natural to become more nostalgic as we age, we must avoid romanticizing and dwelling on the past.
A life with God requires forward momentum. When you’re looking more in the rearview mirror than through the windshield, you’re headed for stagnation.
In order to move forward, you might have to leave some things behind. What habits do you need to change? What emotions do you need to process? What regrets do you need to let go of? No matter where you find yourself, that is a starting place to move forward with God.
The greatest journey of faith begins with the simplest step of obedience.
Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
It can be scary to step out of what you know into what you don’t. But take the simple step of obedience in front you.
Though you may feel like a stranger in a strange land, jump in and engage through the fear and uncertainty. There is a generation before you and a generation coming after you that needs you!
Show notes:
Listen to the message: Navigating Generational Gaps in Church and Culture
In this episode, Casey mentions the book Generations by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.
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