Risking Failure and Failing to Risk

They are failing, or they feel like they are failing, or they are terrified they will fail, so they often refuse to try.

Many Gen Z kids think this way. They have taken to heart what they are taught about big global issues like immigration, climate, pandemics, and mass shootings—things they have no way to influence or control. Instead of worrying about passing biology like kids in past generations, they are wondering if the nation will hold together long enough for graduation to even matter. A January 2019 article from the American Psychological Association (“Gen Z More Likely to Report Mental Health Concerns”) reports that the headlines are affecting them deeply, and social media feeds their anxiety.

They need a good answer to their question from you and God: “What do you want from me?”

They need to know their task and their part. The Lord is uniquely equipping this generation to face these challenges. But he isn’t leaving them alone. It’s not their job to fix things all by themselves. The Lord’s plans for the world will continue and will not be thwarted.

They need perspective on their role and their life. According to the Bible, their first role is to grow more like Christ.

All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.

Philippians 3:10–11 (CEV)

In Philippians 3:4–7, Paul outlines his success in all areas according to the world’s standards. But since he became a follower of Christ, he looks back on those things and says they are no better than garbage. What matters most in life is truly knowing Christ, causing us to be more like him.

We can push our young people to succeed in many areas. They can stress over failing everything from protecting the nation to finding a spouse, passing biology, and disappointing you. But no success or failure will matter without Jesus in their life. With him, they will succeed in all the right things.

So, remind them often what you hope to see from them: “Do your best to be good people, good citizens, yes, but most of all, look at this world as a citizen of God’s Kingdom. He will make you successful in all the other things.”

PRAY

Lord, please give this next generation perspective and hope. May they follow hard after you and so be able to overcome all that is coming at them. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What is your biggest worry? How could God fix it?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Esther 4:14

Romans 8:37–39