A speaker was invited to address a group of high school students on the moral challenges posed by social media. Presenting a well-developed lesson, he discussed these dangers and, on several occasions, cited Facebook as an example. Though perhaps not displaying the best acumen, a younger man followed the speaker by asking the students how many of them actively used Facebook. Less than 5% raised their hands. When Grandma came to Facebook, the younger crowd found a different venue. While the speaker’s points were solid for any social media usage, his message was hampered by the datedness of his illustrations. While the illustrations may have been cutting edge fifteen years ago, a new generation found it difficult to relate to their own life choices.
From pulpit to politics, a “study” listing the “top problems” schools faced in the 1940s vs. those in the 1980s (the list is still being cited as current in the 2020s) is used to demonstrate just how far society has sunk from that more “gentle” time. The “study” states that decades ago, gum chewing was the major threat. Today it is rape, assault, and theft. The only problem is that the “study” has no validation. When someone tried to trace its origin, it seemed that the entire work was a collection of anecdotal meanderings, with no historical research to support it. For certain, a brief scan of 1940’s history will show that schoolteachers and administrators faced much more pressing issues than gum chewers! As listeners hear the list, they mentally bemoan “how far we have fallen,” not realizing the information they are receiving is, at very best, skewed.
Every generation needs to hear teaching on the current dangers they face. While peers can be helpful in this, it is the responsibility of older Christians to take the lead in training young minds. In Paul’s writing to Titus, he admonished him to teach older men to be sober-minded and self-controlled, thus setting the example for younger men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:2,6). As well, he was to encourage older women to “teach what is good” to younger women beginning their journey in raising a family (3-4). A generation without seasoned counselors will find it difficult to find the right course in life.
With the grave responsibility placed on the “older generation,” it is essential to stay up to date. In this regard, consider the following thoughts on how to help guide young minds on the right path.
Stay Current. This does not mean that an older Christian must join every new venture that comes along. Having no presence on X, Instagram, Tik-Tok, or, yes, even Facebook, does not mean being left out of the conversation. The key is keeping an open dialogue with the younger generation. Learning from those who have a presence on social media will provide ample opportunity to teach lessons that apply, regardless of the means of communication. There was once a generation that had to teach on the dangers of the mass printed word, another who had to warn about radio, another about movies, and another about television. No matter what is “current,” the devil will twist it to his nefarious purposes. Principles on truth, honesty, morality, and modesty will be needed no matter what new technology comes into play.
Use Up-to-Date Illustrations. It is easy to rest on presentations developed in past years. While one who has the opportunity to instruct younger people does not have to reinvent the wheel, it is important to make sure teachings are relatable. For example, this means knowing about those in pop-culture if teachings about the dangers of pop-culture are going to be presented. Illustrations using singers or celebrities from past decades will typically fail to drive home the point.
Use Accurate Information. Instructors will often cite statistics to demonstrate the validity of a point. While this can be good, it is important to make sure the statistics are accurate. Statistical “shock value” can easily provide false information. An example of this is that “50% of U.S. marriages end in divorce.” Delving into the true numbers will show this figure was based on a projection made in the 1970s. In reality, it has never been the case. It is also important to make sure that examples of real-life situations are, indeed, real-life situations. The Internet is saturated with fables passed along as true events. Investigation into story origins is essential.
Many more entries could be made to the above list; however, these demonstrate that responsibility needs to be shown by instructors who have the privilege to serve those who are younger. With the mountains of information now available online, it is as important as ever to sort through and make sure that truth is being presented and presented in a way that can be understood and appreciated. May every seasoned Christian take his or her responsibility seriously in helping the rising generation develop and maintain a strong faith, regardless of what current challenges are being faced.
