The Choice of a Me Generation

The Choice of a ME Generation

    As I went about my daily tasks this week, an idea began to formulate in my head.
It wasn't much of an idea at first, but became the heart of what I am about to speak to you
tonight. It was just an afterthought, really, but as I went through the week, it became more
noticeable. Especially as the week ended and I found myself here. As many of you know, I can be long winded sometimes, short and sweet at other times, and sometimes I just like to round it all out with a little bit of preachiness, as I like to call it.
    My focus this week is teens. And not just ordinary teens, well, if teens can be called ordinary in any way ;) , but teens that seem to concentrate a little too much on themselves.
Now, just before you take a breath, and start furiously typing away at an email in agreement or disagreement, please note that this is an unbiased study. I wanted to see how teenagers react and work in everyday life. I remember much of it, because I was a teen just a few years ago, therefore I can relate to much of what I speak about tonight.
    But the problem that has to be focused on is not teen rebellion, or teen angst, or even teen skin problems (harrowing as they might be...), No, I am concerned about teen selfishness. It has reached an all time high. I do my best not to over dramatize, but the fact of the matter is that teens are becoming so inward focused, they don't look outward in support and friendship. Yet, this does not apply merely to teens. It also applies to adults, and even younger children between the ages of 11 and 13.
    Therefore, let me start with a verse from James 3:16, "Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things." I start with this verse, because it hits the core of how things are going. People all over this world are selfish, and especially right here in the United States, where selfishness should have no place in a land of plenty.
    These are people of all ages, sexes, religions and creeds. They are the Christians in the Church who see others as a threat to their standing with God (not realizing that due to the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no different standings other than saved or unsaved), right down to the atheist who feels that all in life should be taken when it can, so that the most enjoyment can come from it. We are not fools, we are not heathens, and we are not the unenlightened person who feels that all should be taken. Instead, we are members of the Body of Christ, servants and ambassadors to God. We must work accordingly.

In this day and age, all people are affected. Most curiously of all, Christians. And this is

what I am commenting on today. It is a choice. And unfortunately, it has become the

choice of a me generation. These last days, we will see such things take place, but there

are times when they will no less be a shock to many of us, please read 2 Peter 3:3-4 "But

first you must realize that in the last days some people won't think about anything

except their own selfish desires. They will make fun of you and say, "Didn't your Lord

promise to come back? Yet the first leaders have already died, and the world hasn't

changed a bit."

People are selfish because they have no hope after this life is done. We are servants of

the Lord Jesus Christ who will return soon. Why do many Christians act as if they have all

of the time in the world? We do not! The time is short, and we cannot continue to be selfish,

petty, cruel or any other sinful nature in this world. Are we no different than those who

rebuke against God? Work for the Lord and serve humbly without pride, without malice or

greed.

Which brings me back to teen selfishness. Many adults are selfish, this is true, and this

includes Christians as well. We have an opportunity to tell these teens who are growing

spiritually that there is no greater purpose than the Lord God. We serve Him, we obey

Him, and we cherish His Word. Many of these problems start with the fact that teens

are given far too much leeway in what they do. This generation is like one never seen

before. They are easily entertained, easily angered, and selfish to a fault. Now, of course

this does not apply to all teens, but there is an astounding majority as of late.

We must reach out to this younger generation and firmly show that the Lord God will

not tolerate careless or selfish attitudes. Remember, the future of this planet rests in these

young adults' futures. And if it were not for the fact that I know and trust the Lord, I would

be very very worried about the change of hands. Fortunately, the Lord will return soon, and

the situation will be resolved, but in the meantime, don't let your teens, or anyone else you

know, including yourself, become the choice of a me generation.

God Bless you,
Pastor J.W. Allen