Image by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash
Are we disconnected in a connected world?
This is the greatest, mass, tragedy of our generation. The central driver is disconnection. These are troubled people, often children, looking for a tribe that accepts and offers support and love. Sad that tribe has to be one where the solution can end so badly.
Comment in Times of London article
The comment was made in response to an article about an autistic young person who transitioned from male to female and then back again.
No friends
We can live in a world surrounded by people but be excluded
My son, 8, was the only kid not invited to a class party - but the school took action
"When my son asked M why he didn't get an invitation, M apparently replied with a big smirk: 'I guess you didn't make the list'.
In our post-modern world what really connects people?
The world in which I grew up and that shaped my worldview is not the same as the post modern world that informs the ideas and values of today's generation. This is reflected in the concerns, choices and actions of society that at one level I find incomprehensible and at another level are dangerous or wrong. I mean climate change, gender identity, debt, personal responsibility over government dependency, what is right and what is wrong.
40 Common Older People Habits That Young People Just Don't Understand
Where this becomes a challenge is when trying to present a coherent and compelling case for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Fear of the Lord
In earlier ages an awareness of sin and a fear of the wrath of God would be sufficient for most people to give a sincere hearing for the case for Jesus in their lives. Some countries such as the Philippines still have that awareness and recognition of God.
Jeremiah 3: 26
For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.”
Jesus loves you
The post World War 2 evangelists from America such as Billy Graham, A.A. Allen and T.L Osborne introduced a softer, "more loving" gospel that appealed to a confident, hopeful age. "Jesus loves you" was the message and John 3:16 its Scripture.
John 3:16 American Standard Version
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The message of love was attractive and found a receptive audience in many countries. The Jesus movement of the 1970s was a child of this message at a time of disillusionment with US involvement in the Vietnam War.
Despite its global resonance there are/were some flaws that have become apparent with this style of preaching. Ray Comfort and others have identified that the "feel good about yourself because God loves you" message can result in believers who do not last because it hides the message of repentance, sin and punishment.
God is unfair/unreal/non-existent
Today's generation has a different attitude towards the Christian message and the Christian idea of God.
They believe:
- "man is the measure of all things"
- God, as an omnipotent creator, is a fantasy
- Jesus may not have existed, or even if he did, he was one of many gurus such as the Buddha or Dao
- Other religions such as Hinduism (yoga, mantras, mindfulness), Buddhism or any other have as much claim to authority as the Bible and the Christian message
- have never made a serious attempt to read the Bible and are ignorant of its message
- organised religion is corrupt or bad and personal faith of any type is adequate (King Charles III coronation)
- the greatest moral challenge of our age is climate change Kevin Rudd to Australian Parliament
- mankind is progressing from savagery to an advanced and better world
Jesus in a disconnected world
In our post-modern world what really connects people? Is our connection point still good today or do we need to rethink?
What a self-centered, narcissistic (selfie-obsessed) world is looking for is a friend.
When people live their lives as described in Judges 21: 25
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
people eventually need to feel validated. We have all been described as "comfortably waiting to die".
Perhaps the easiest conversation opener to a stranger is something ike "Who would you consider as your best friend?" A follow up question could be, "What qualities do you like most about your friend?" As they open up and share about their friend it will open up an opportunity to speak about friendshp with Jesus.
John 15: 15
There is no greater love than this—that a man should lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I tell you to do. I shall not call you servants any longer, for a servant does not share his master’s confidence. No, I call you friends, now, because I have told you everything that I have heard from the Father.
I will never leave you, I am with you
Hebrews 13:5, ESV
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Genesis 28:15, NIV
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Joshua 1:5, ESV
No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
Isaiah 41:10, ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:2, ESV
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Psalm 23:4, ESV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Exodus 33:14, NIV
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”