Wednesday, February 15, 2017

The Biggest Struggle for Christian Millennials Today!

The biggest struggle for Christian millennials today is "fitting in." Today's millennials face intense social pressures. Contrast that with many who have grown up in conservative and/or legalistic homes and the setting has become ripe for a full pendulum swing concerning partaking in what was once prior unacceptable behaviors in the name of freedom in Christ.

I've found that today's millennials are all about espousing their freedom in Christ. A theme verse is found in Galatians 5:1

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

First, Praise God for the freedom that is found in Jesus! We must be careful with this freedom though. It does not give us a free license to do what we want. The lines between freedom and cultural acceptance can get blurry in a hurry.

For example, it is becoming more acceptable for Christian millennials to drink alcohol in social settings. Young Christians are getting tattoo's with more regularity as well. I've noticed that certain words that were not permissible in Christian culture years ago are now deemed permissible by this up and coming generation of Christians. Smoking is becoming more common place.

Here is my point. As a believer in Jesus I am free to choose to do the aforementioned BUT I am also free to choose NOT to do those things as well!

For the record I do not drink, smoke, have a tattoo, or try to use words that are borderline. Does this make me more spiritual? Not all. Some of my closest Millennial Christian friends do drink with temperance and have tattoo's and they truly right and justified to make those decisions.

My biggest concern though with the Millennial generation is that our push for freedom in Jesus will make us too much like our culture so that we will not be able to stand out when called upon.

What does this mean for you?

First, it means that you should never be judgmental of other Christians for convictions that they have regarding areas of freedom in Christ. They truly do have freedom in Jesus to do those things.

On the other hand, we should always evaluate the decisions we make. While we have the freedom to make those decisions that does not mean that we should necessarily make them. We are free to also not choose as well. By not choosing, we may be giving up our freedom in Jesus if it means helping other Christians. This is Biblical and good (Romans 14:1-12). Make sure that you thoroughly think through your convictions. Make sure you have sound and good reasoning. Check your motivations. Stand on good Biblical ground. We have freedom in Jesus, but that does not mean that we can do whatever we want. Be a person that stands for something!

What are your thoughts on this issue?