1630 - Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders
By Abby Sexton
Christian young adults across the country see what’s happening today in our nation and feel many things - apathy, anxiety, fear. Many more see where our culture is heading and have a desire to make an impact, but don’t know where to start. Our nation is increasingly deviating from Biblical values and social conservative views are seen as “outdated.” What is our purpose in life? Are young people called to make a difference? How do we make an impact in our nation?
We have an epidemic of young people across the country with an identity crisis. Everyone is searching and asking, “Who am I? What is my purpose?” The Bible has the answer to these questions - we are to be unified to Jesus. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) That is who we are. Once we understand our identity, we can discover God’s purpose and calling He has placed on our lives. Everyone has a unique calling and the Lord reveals that purpose to us overtime: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
Individual believers all have unique callings, but we are all called to be the salt and light in our culture and in our generation. Government and politics follow the trends of culture - if we are called to be the salt and light in our culture, we are called to be the salt and light in politics. No matter what your calling is, no matter what organization you volunteer with, no matter what career path you choose, the government has a say in every single thing you do, and that can change on a dime depending on the people in charge. Government affects us all, and the good news is we can all make an impact in our spheres of influence.
It’s easy to ask the question, “I’m just one person. How can I make a difference?” Throughout scripture, God uses one person to make a difference at various points in history. Hebrews 11 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible as it outlines the faith and obedience of those alive during the days of the Old Testament.
“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain…By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death…By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive an inheritance…By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11)
When we act in faith, the Lord rewards our obedience.
For the last 3.5 years, I worked as a Legislative Assistant in Oklahoma. It was a job I loved. I felt called to work with young people and inspire them to be involved in civics, but I also knew I ultimately wanted to share the light of Jesus. I had no clue how to combine all my passions into one career, and then Christians Engaged came into my life. In a way only God could do, I was offered the position of Young Adult Director. I had the opportunity to stay in Oklahoma where it was comfortable, or I could step out in faith and move across the Red River to see what adventure the Lord would take me on. I knew in my spirit I was being called to step out and say yes to the adventure. I’m still not sure what all the Lord has in store, but I know that my work will serve young adults across the country while bringing glory to my Heavenly Father. I trust that He will provide and bring fruit from this work.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) If we are faithful and act on what is right and pleasing to the Lord, he will make that work fruitful. We don’t have to be afraid of failing or standing alone - the Lord always stands with His people.
The Bible is clear that young people matter to the Lord and are close to his heart. “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Even as a young person, the Lord has given you the ability to leave an impact on those around you. The Lord has given YOU as a gift to this generation - “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
In starting our young adult initiative, 1630, we want you to understand the hope that still exists in our nation and in our generation, that your identity is in the Lord, that he has made good plans for you, and that you are called to be a leader. We want to be part of your journey as you grow into all that God has called you to be.
As we look to the future, all hope is not lost. We still live in a free nation where we get to choose our leaders, form groups of like-minded individuals with a common cause, make and sign petitions, and organize peaceful protests. With this generation of the body of Christ coming together in unity, we can make an impact together as we pray, vote, and engage. America’s best days are still ahead of her. Let’s raise up the next generation of leaders.
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