Articles From Our Bulletins
Acorns and Trees and College and Church
There seems to be a growing disappointment manifested by “older folks” (pre, present, and some post “Baby Boomers”) toward “younger folks” (whatever Generation name is utilized- X, Y, Z, Millennial, etc.) First, let’s all admit the truth of the old axiom about acorns, or nuts as the case may be, not falling very far from the tree. Whatever faults of character or tendencies that the “younger generation” manifests are surely the product of the influences of us “older” folks. Whether genetically or environmentally, we were the trees that produced the acorns!
Therefore, where they fall is largely up to us. It was “our job” as fathers (and mothers and grandparents) to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” Ephesians 6:4; Titus 2:4-5. Even outside the spiritual realm, we “adults” have to accept responsibility for that which we have produced or encouraged in them- even if it was done by neglect of duties and lack of guidance. I’m not, however, suggesting I agree that anything is necessarily “wrong” with “the younger generation.” They have their obstacles to overcome, and both assets and liabilities with which to do so, as has had each previous generation. Besides, I’m not about to bash the “younger generation”- I may need their help with my cell phone or internet connection!
But these things notwithstanding, give some contemplative time to this: “If young adults pick and attend a college or university for social rather than educational reasons, they will probably be very popular dropouts.” Why is this? The reasons for “going to college” matter- in fact, probably more than anything else, they determine the “success” of the venture. If secondary education is secondary to social environment and socializing in that environment, true “education” rarely occurs. That’s not hard to predict or see, but let’s follow this thread just a little further.
How did “young people” get to the point of viewing higher education mainly as a social opportunity? Could it be that we “older folks” encouraged this perspective by catering primary education to social influences instead of insisting that education be primary? Didn’t we attempt to make education “fun” to the point that learning and knowing became subordinate to “enjoyable” and “socially acceptable”? We even allowed incremental promotions to be based on “social” factors rather than academic achievement. What did this teach “younger folks” to expect and desire?
Now, if you’re still reading, Thank-you. All of this hasn’t been written to lay blame at the proper feet for whatever generational failures that exist (or that we may think exist) in education or otherwise. There is a spiritual point that has been the intended objective of these observations and illustrations. Much like attending college, “going to church” has very poor results when we have the wrong motivations. If, because of similar experiences and past influences, we have come to view “social” purposes as the primary reason to attend church services, we, too, will likely miss the real opportunities and true purposes of the activity. In spiritual terms, we will probably also (or again?) become very socially popular dropouts. Or perhaps even worse, we will attempt to change the purposes for “worship” (praising God) and “bible study” (spiritual education) into something more socially pleasing (feel-good fun). The apostle Paul predicted this in 2Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.”
So, how do we “fix” this? 1) We realize and accept that “worship” is first and foremost about praising God rather than pleasing ourselves, Hebrews 13:15. 2) We realize and accept that “bible study” is first and foremost about spiritual education (learning what the bible teaches) rather than social enjoyment, 2Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 4:11-16. 3) We realize and accept that although “worship” and “bible study” have social benefits that result from assembling with those of “like precious faith” and common spiritual goals, these social benefits cannot be made the objective of these activities and still remain true to God’s spiritual purposes, 1Corinthians 11:20-30. The “success rate” is much better in college and church when we attend for the right reasons. Think about it, please.
- College_and_Church.pdf (75.22 kB)
