Recently I shared the platform with State Senator Kerry Roberts of Tennessee. We both spoke about Ohio Valley University where he attended in the 1980s.
In his remarks, he noted the common occurrence of people complaining about “today”s young people.” Indeed we hear objections about their dress, hair styles, loud music, morals, tatoos, and a host of other items. Sen. Roberts urged us to quite complaining and get involved with efforts to train young people in a different way. If we are not part of raising up youth to respect authority, seek high standards, and do their jobs well, then on what basis can we complain?
As I listened I was struck by the simplicity of the rationale. We can fret about the future of today’s upcoming generation or we can be at the front of helping them be all they can be. We can moan about what we don”t like or pass on the qualities we do like.
That is the point of teaching in Sunday school, serving as a youth sponsor, being kind to the neighbor kid, nurturing our children”s friends, and, yes, supporting Christian education.
Thanks, Sen. Roberts for drawing our attention to a simple plan. All of us, especially our young people, will be better as a result.