Why Are We Losing Our Young People?
Brothers and sisters, today, our hearts are heavy with a question that echoes through our congregations: Why are we losing our young people? Why are they drifting away from the faith, from the church, from the very foundation we’ve tried to build? It’s a question that demands honest reflection and a willingness to examine ourselves.
I. Bad Influence – of Their Friends
The first, and perhaps most visible, factor is the bad influence of their friends. The power of peer pressure is undeniable, and our young people are constantly bombarded with messages that contradict the teachings of Christ.
• A. Warnings:
◦ Proverbs 1:10-19 warns us of the enticements of sinful companions, urging us to avoid their paths.
◦ Proverbs 12:26 reminds us that the righteous choose their friends carefully.
◦ Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions us against associating with angry and violent individuals.
◦ 1 Corinthians 15:33 powerfully declares, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
◦ These verses tell us that the power of friendship is real, and it can lead us down paths we never intended to tread. We may not see the gradual shift, but the consequences can be devastating.
• B. How It Happens:
◦ Our young people gradually drift (Hebrews 2:1), subtly pulled away from their faith.
◦ They become desensitized to sin (Psalm 1:1), as they witness it normalized in their social circles.
◦ The pressure mounts when they are outnumbered (Exodus 23:2, 33; Romans 12:2), making it difficult to stand firm in their convictions.
◦ They easily become like those they associate with (Proverbs 23:20-21), adopting their habits and values.
II. Poor Example – of Their Parents
Secondly, we must confront the uncomfortable truth of the poor example set by parents.
• A. Young People Learn From What They See:
◦ Matthew 5:13-16 and 1 Timothy 4:12 emphasize the importance of being a light and an example to others.
◦ Proverbs 20:7 and Ezekiel 16:44 illustrate that children often become like their parents.
◦ Actions speak louder than words. Our children are watching us, not just listening to us.
• B. Young People Often See Parents Who:
◦ Miss Bible classes, Sunday night services, and Wednesday night services.
◦ Prioritize comfort and work over spiritual commitments.
◦ Place excessive emphasis on material possessions and academic achievement.
◦ Toy with worldliness, blurring the lines between the sacred and the secular.
◦ We cannot be surprised when they turn out just like we trained them!
III. Weak Image – of the Church
Thirdly, we must acknowledge the weak image of the church that many young people perceive. From the time they are old enough to pay attention, they are forming an image of Christianity.
• A. Strong / Impressive Image Is Powerful:
◦ A strong image is built on solid Bible teaching, genuine love and respect among members, unwavering conviction, and a clear understanding of sin.
• B. Weak Image Too Many Young People See:
◦ Weak or confusing preaching.
◦ Unprepared or inadequate teaching in classes.
◦ Hypocrisy among members.
◦ Grumbling and division within the congregation.
◦ What kind of image would this give?
IV. Lax Standards – at Home
Fourthly, we must address the lax standards at home.
• A. Training Young People Requires High Standards:
◦ Ephesians 6:1-4 and Proverbs 22:6 instruct parents to train their children in the way they should go.
◦ Deuteronomy 4:9-10 instructs us to teach our children and grandchildren.
• B. Common Lax Standards:
◦ Little corrective discipline in younger years (Proverbs 22:15; 19:18).
◦ Careless monitoring of their entertainment, social interactions, and activities.
◦ Failure to ensure they prepare their Bible lessons.
◦ Lack of meaningful communication and bonding (Proverbs 29:15).
V. Little Time – as a Family
Finally, we must recognize the impact of little time spent as a family.
• A. Can’t Fulfill Some Respon. Without Time:
◦ We cannot be an effective example, teacher, or support system without investing time in our children.
• B. Redeeming Time (Ephesians 5:15-16):
◦ We must make wise use of our time, prioritizing family and spiritual growth.
• C. Often Too Busy:
◦ We are often too busy to eat together, talk about our days, go on family outings, or help our teenagers through their problems.
Brothers and sisters, the solution lies in repentance and action. We must examine our own lives, strengthen our families, and revitalize our churches. Let us strive to be the examples our young people need, and let us create a church that inspires and nurtures their faith. Let us dedicate ourselves to reclaiming our young people for Christ.
