By Faith, Not Fear: Preparing the Next Generation for Life in a Broken World
“Lions and tigers and bears, O my!” This memorable line from The Wizard of Oz captures a timeless theme: the struggle between fear and faith. In contemporary discipleship, this theme is particularly poignant. At times, the fear of the adversaries to our faith can feel overwhelming, overshadowing our faith in the one true source of hope—Jesus Christ.
Understanding Our Adversaries
We must not be naive about the dangers we face. The Scriptures warn us about the "schemes of our enemy," depicted as a prowling, roaring lion, seeking to devour (2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8). An irresponsible church—or worse, an abusive parent—would fail to protect the lambs of Jesus from these threats. But we also cannot overlook the glory and grace of Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Our discipleship must be proactive rather than reactive—rooted in faith and not crippled by fear.
Protection vs. Preparation
What’s the relationship between protecting our children from the dangers of life and preparing them to be kingdom-servants in that same world? In my early years of ministry, I tended to prioritize protection. Influenced by a misguided understanding of theology and a culture of fear among parents, I focused on helping high school graduates merely survive the transition to adulthood.
Over the past three decades, however, my understanding of the gospel has evolved. I now recognize the importance of preparation. As we guide our young people into adulthood, here are three essential areas to focus on:
1. A Satisfying Gospel Spirituality
It’s crucial for our children not only to defend their faith but to delight in it. During my own college years, I relied heavily on the apologetics of scholars like Francis Schaeffer and C.S. Lewis, often prioritizing arguments over a genuine relationship with God. I felt an obligation to defend the faith rather than experience the joy of knowing Christ.
As we teach our children about the Bible’s inspiration and authority, let’s also encourage them to discover Jesus within its pages. We must guide them in understanding why He is the only way to the Father while ensuring they savor Him as the bread of life and the source of living water. In a world where love can grow cold due to increasing wickedness (Matthew 24:12), let’s ignite a passionate love for the gospel rather than merely lamenting the state of the world (Psalm 63:3-4).
2. A Robust Biblical Sexuality
We live in a world marked by sexual brokenness, and it’s essential for our children to understand the realities of temptation. While it’s important to discuss the dangers of pornography openly, we must also help them appreciate the beauty of sexuality as designed by God.
Do our children perceive us as more fearful of the "gay agenda" than excited about God’s vision for sexuality? Have we communicated to them that we, as parents, value and enjoy a healthy sexual relationship? Are we equipping them with age-appropriate truths and images from the Bible that celebrate the joy of sex? This discussion is vital, and we must approach it with honesty and enthusiasm.
3. Honest, Grace-Infused Community
Relationships are essential for the spiritual growth of our young people. This generation craves meaningful, grace-filled connections. We must embody the gospel in our relationships, offering support and understanding as they navigate their struggles and longings (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Do our children witness our ongoing need for the gospel? Are they learning that repentance is a way of life? As pastors, mentors, and parents, we should model vulnerability and authenticity, sharing our brokenness and struggles rather than just offering advice and moral guidance.
If our children ever find themselves “coming to their senses” in a distant land, will they feel comfortable returning to us, knowing they will find a welcoming heart, or will they fear the judgment of a self-righteous elder brother?
The call to prepare this upcoming generation extends beyond mere protection. As we guide our children in the gospel, let’s invest time and effort into their spiritual formation, equipping them to thrive in the world. By nurturing their faith, we prepare them not only to withstand challenges but to actively participate in God’s redemptive work in a broken world. Let's strive to protect and prepare them more thoroughly than we were, ensuring they know the fullness of life found in Christ.
