We worry about our kids! The Millennial generation, like every generation before, engenders a great deal of spiritual concern from the older generations. Religious sociologists have identified a growing group called the "Nones" who have no identifiable faith or institutional commitment. When asked about their spiritual identification in surveys they answer with greater frequency than previous generations, "None."
How do we transmit the faith from generation to generation? More spiritual information is available by internet than in any previous generation. We can listen to ten good sermons every week, if we choose. Unfortunately, the availability of spiritual help does not guarantee that others will access it.
Moses had concerns about the youngest generation in his day. He had watched their parents self-destruct in the wilderness instead of receiving God's promises. Now the younger generation was preparing to enter the promised land. First, he teaches them to love God with all they are. Relationship is the point. Second, he encourages them to take God's commandments to heart and to impress them on their children. But how? Moses envisioned the integration of our whole lives into worship of God. To be clear: we do not fit God into our busy schedules. Instead we prioritize our own spiritual learning so that we may share it with our kids wherever we are.
One of my friends tells me that parents largely don't know how to have a spiritual conversation with our kids. We may try to outsource to the student minister and Sunday School teachers. The whole idea is transactional: I take my kids to the dentist and he fixes their teeth. I take my kids to church so that they will get God. Moses had a better idea: parents disciple kids by telling them what God is telling us. The result of this teaching at home is not a transaction but transformation. We cannot compartmentalize Christianity for an hour a week. Christ must become our whole life! Every time we are with our kids we are making disciples. God has not given up on them. Neither should we! Today, instead of worrying, let's worship the God who is working in the lives of our kids and grandkids in the next generation.
