Generations

Generations. They have become a huge part of our identity. Our generation name has become a kind of sociological shorthand for how we think and behave.

Parsing out categories

We tend to divide society into groups based on individual interests. I attend a women’s Bible study. And I am part of a Facebook group called Fountain Pen Enthusiasts who write with, what else? Fountain pens of course.

I own dogs, not cats, though there are some brave souls who have both, and some people aren’t fans of animals at all.

Steep Generational Divides

But in the last few years, the year in which we were born has become increasingly descriptive. And those descriptions are often derogatory and always stereotypical.

For the record, here are the generational names from the 20^th and 21^st centuries.

The Greatest Generation

The GI generation (also the Greatest Generation) was born between 1900 and 1925.

These individuals matured during the Great Depression and lived through WWII. They valued frugality, hard work and productivity.

The Silent Ones

Next came The Silent Generation.  Born between 1925 and 1945, they were too young to fight in WWII, but they experienced the Korean conflict as adults.

They value tradition, respect for authority, and hard work.

Here Come the Boomers!

Next are the Baby Boomers. Born between 1945 and 1965, they are the largest generation of the 20^th Century. WWII veterans and their stateside counterparts were determined to make up for lost time. They created a booming economy and a lot – around 76 million – children. “Boomers” are the oldest group still active in the job market.

They are known for being resourceful, relationship oriented and financially savvy.

The X factor?

Next came Generation X, or baby busters. They were born between 1965 and 1980. They are much fewer in number than the Boomer predecessors. They’re the latch key kids, because often both parents worked outside the home.

They’re known for being tech savvy, independent and valuing their free time as much as their work time.

Millenials. A Generation between Centuries.

After them are the Millennials. Born between 1981 and 1996,  they  are considered the first generation to be technology native, being as comfortable with things like cell phones and lap top computers as previous generations were with cars and tools. And they outnumber Generation X and are more vocal.

They are known for being adaptive, dependent, and creative.

Generation Z

Finally, Generation Z were born between 1997 and 2012. They had iPhones from the beginning, have never seen a land line, and are very aware of issues such as racial inequality and climate change. And they value mental health, and struggle with anxiety more than people older than they are.

They are pragmatic, liberal and politically active.

Mostly the Same?

These divisions are the ones commonly accepted in the US. Other countries may have different classifications of generations and the dates they assign may differ by a few years, but the central characteristics remain.

Can it matter? In Biblical Terms?

 But does any of this matter? Is it even true? Does my identity stem from what year I was born or when I graduated from high school?  Does my generation determine my worth?

We won’t find references to GenX or Millennials in the scripture. The Bible does mention generations. But it doesn’t name them.

Helpful or not?

Categories like these generational names can be helpful when we use them to understand people not like us. But they are not useful and are harmful when we use them as an excuse to be judgmental and dismissive of others.

The reality is that when you were born does matter a lot more than your choice of writing implement or family pet. It’s not something that you can change. We all start out young, and unless something tragic happens, we expect to get old. And the events that happen when we are in our most formative years do affect how we look at society as a whole.

Big events. Big changes.

Most people reading this blog remember September 11. But I experienced it as an adult with adult emotions. For a child just learning to navigate the world, the imprint it left on perceived safety and security is indelible.

My father was 7 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the US entered World War II. He remembered it vividly even in his eighth decade. He told me he knew nothing of geography. And never having strayed far from Marshall, NC, in his young mind, Pearl Harbor was just over the mountains and he expected the planes to attack them the next day. That kind of fear will affect you the rest of your life. The rest of his life, he valued stability.

Can the Church Adapt?

The church has been vulnerable to conflict between generations. Pastors are often torn between honoring the traditions of the church and appealing to the wants and needs of younger people

The Great Commission isn’t age specific. And the gospel doesn’t change. But the ways we have presented have morphed over time.

Hymn Books and Blue Jeans

Battles over hymn books or modern music are common. And casual dress can be a conundrum for many pastors who have a solid contingent of older people who believe you should wear only your best to church.

Can the generations adapt?

And in some churches, Boomers have such a stranglehold the culture of the church, the only options left for younger people are hoping for a massive die-off. Or leaving for somewhere else. Or just leaving all together. Over 3000 churches close every year. Church plants aren’t keeping pace. 

Love. Don’t hate.

What’s the answer? Paul told Timothy to not let anyone despise his youth. This is an interesting command. How do you change someone’s opinion of you?

Paul then explained that Timothy, a young pastor to older people was to be an example in things like conduct, speech and purity. (I Timothy 4:12).

Unite Generations.  Don’t Divide.

Two things are happening here. First, Paul is vouching for Timothy. And he’s letting them know Timothy is trustworthy.  Likewise,  he’s telling Timothy to live a life they can respect.

What are some things believers can do put an end to generational conflict.

How Generations  can change the future?

1. Older believers need to be willing to be mentors to younger people.  And, sometimes we need to step aside when we recognize their leadership skills match or exceed our own.
2. Younger Christ follower can spend time with older believers, When you find friendship across the generations it’s special.
3. We need to be willing to listen to one another, and “prefer one another in love”. My preferences are not gospel. If the music doesn’t meet my needs, I can choose to listen to “my music” at home. Likewise, how we dress is not nearly as important as some of us believe.  Having to always be right permanently destroys relationship.
4. Most of all, we all need to choose not to allow offense to take root in our lives. When we are offended, it’s easy to generalize about those around us.

There is hope for all of us in the scripture regardless of our age.

Scripture is full of examples of men and women who had great impact as young people. Joseph, David and Mary were all young when they began serving God. And it’s also full of older, even elderly people who continued to serve effectively long past the time their social security checks were due. Abraham, Moses and Elisabeth all come to mind.

So, let’s quit categorizing people and get to know them. If you’re Gen Z, ask an older friend out to coffee and get to know them. But if you’re a Boomer, take the initiative. Invite them over to dinner. And provide leftovers.

When we start seeing people through God’s eyes instead of through sociological constructs, we can live in the unity that Jesus prayed we would have. Generations can live at peace. And I think that’s an excellent plan.