.....................KIDS.....................THESE........................DAYS..................................

Kids these days. Many of us have said it. When I was a teenager, my elders said it when lamenting my generation’s lack of morality and work ethic. They worried that my generation’s moral makeup had so devolved from previous generations that we would bring society to ruin. Now, as I approach 40 and have an increasingly difficult time relating to teenagers, I find myself tempted to say the same thing. Kids…these…days.

As it turns out, kids are doing better these days (in many ways). The U.S. Center for Disease Control recently published a study that reveals better behavior amongst today’s young people. Since the 80’s, teenage pregnancy has been on the decline. Young people are drinking and smoking less. The use of illicit substances is declining as well. On top of that, today’s young people are exercising more. Yes, that is right. Today’s young people are using drugs less and exercising more.  Kids these days…are awesome.

That is a good reminder that good things are going on in our world too. We can see them when we look for them. In fact, as Christians, we have a special perspective on noticing and celebrating good things. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our life is marked by a hopeful optimism. No matter what, good things are coming.  

First Peter begins in saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope…” The Christian faith gives people hope. The resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds us that, ultimately, good things are coming. Instead of looking for doom and gloom in life, assuming demise at every corner, God’s people look for - and announce - the great things in life.

As you go through the coming week, be on the look out for great things. Focus on great things when you see them. Assume that great things are coming. Do so because you have experienced the greatest of things in Jesus. By doing this, you will see the Son of God at work in exciting new ways. You will also see that there is indeed hope in Jesus Christ – hope for kids these days.