Main Title : Gen - C (Generation Christ)

By Pastor Michael Magbag

Scripture :

1 Timothy 4:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

In the Bible, we find accounts of many people who followed God courageously when they were young. In a situation of corrupt spiritual leadership, “Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child” (1 Sam. 2:18). David faced the giant Goliath in spite of being told, “You are not able to go against this Philistine . . . for you are a youth” (17:33). Mary, the mother of Jesus, was most likely very young when she was told she would bear the Son of God. She responded to the angel’s announcement by saying, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Paul told the young pastor Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers” (1 Tim. 4:12).

Even the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal Once Said: "The Youth Is The Hope Of Our Nation"

Question :

How's our young generation today?

Are They still the "Hope Of The Nation" or now called Plague Of the Nation"?

As we hear or read on the news that even in an early age they are now involved in murder , rape and even using illegal drugs . That is why we  made a community survey to see how are they doing today and what are the issues of our next Generations and here are the following Top 5 issues that shows on our survey

The Top 5 Issues Among Our Youth Today Based On The Our Recent Survey 
:
1. Suicide

- Most teens that we've  interviewed say that main causes teen are committing suicide are due to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Why did you ask? Well according them that they often feel like they are in situations that have no solutions. They can see no way out but death. They feel like they have no control to change their situations.

While other teens said that they are trying to escape feelings of pain, rejection, hurt, being unloved, victimization or loss. They feel like their feelings are unbearable and will never end, so the only way to escape is suicide.

They are also afraid of disappointing others or feel like they are a burden to others, such as their parents, and these can be additional causes of teen suicide

2. Drugs

There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol. But here are some of the core issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use.

It’s important that you, as a parent, understand these reasons and talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and doing drugs.

Here are The top 8 reasons why they are  trying  alcohol and drugs :

1. Other People. Teenagers see lots of people consuming various substances. They see their parents and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and, sometimes, trying other substances. Also, a teenager’s social scene often revolves around drinking and smoking marijuana. Sometimes friends urge one another to have a drink or smoke pot, but it’s just as common for teens to start trying a substance because it’s readily available and they see all their friends enjoying it. In their minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.\

2. Popular Media. Forty-five percent of teens agree with the statement: “The music that teens listen to makes marijuana seem cool.” And 45 percent of teens agree with the statement “Movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an OK thing to do.” (PATS 2012) So be aware of the media that your son or daughter is consuming and talk to them about it.

3. Escape and Self-Medication. When teens are unhappy and can’t find a healthy outlet for their frustration or a trusted confidant, they may turn to chemicals for solace. Depending on what substance they’re trying, they may feel blissfully oblivious, wonderfully happy or energized and confident. The often rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on children, sometimes even causing depression, so when teens are given a chance to take something to make them feel better, many can’t resist. For example, some teens abuse prescription medicine to manage stress or regulate their lives. Sometimes they abuse prescription stimulants (used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) to provide additional energy and the ability to focus when they’re studying or taking tests.

Others are abusing prescription pain relievers and tranquilizers to cope with academic, social or emotional stress.

4. Boredom. Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance use. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they feel. Further, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids.

5. Rebellion. Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees him to behave aggressively. Methamphetamine, or meths, also encourages aggressive, violent behavior, and can be far more dangerous and potent than alcohol. Marijuana, on the other hand, often seems to reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. Some teens abuse prescription medicine to party and get high. LSD and hallucinogens are also escape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and may long to escape to a more idealistic, kind world. Smoking cigarettes can be a form of rebellion to flaunt their independence and make their parents angry. The reasons for teenage drug-use are as complex as teenagers themselves.

6. Instant Gratification. Drugs and alcohol work quickly. The initial effects feel really good.

Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term shortcut to happiness.

7. Lack of Confidence. Many shy teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. This is part of the appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens; you have the courage to dance if you’re a bad dancer, or sing at the top of your lungs even if you have a terrible voice, or kiss the girl you’re attracted to. And alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen your inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only do you have something in common with the other people around you, but there’s the mentality that if you do anything or say anything stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.

8. Misinformation. Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance use is inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be experts on various recreational substances, and they’re happy to assure her that the risks are minimal. Educate your teenagers about drug use, so they get the real facts about the dangers of drug use.

3. Internet Related Issue.

Well of course as we all know that one thing that greatly affect the kids growth is online web . That most of the time they are always there inside of the Internet cafe or in our home either playing or browsing on the web .

Here are the following things that we are not aware off but can surely pollute our children's mind by using the web:

- Pornography Sites

- Online War Games

- Cyber Bullying

4. Sexual Related Issues

- Early Pregnancies

- Sexual Abuse At Young Age

5. Vices With Regards To Smoking , Drinking , Gambling .

The teenage years can be difficult and lonely as most teens struggle to fit in and take on new responsibilities. Media and peers both constantly bombard youth with the message that they are never good enough and will never measure up. No wonder most teens end up hopeless and lonely! Teens can use as much encouragement and love as we can give them! Use these bible verses for teens to offer words of comfort and hope to our youth.

Question:

Is there still any hope for them ?

What might be the reason that triggers them to do this?

Yes, there is still hope . It's not to late...for " Jesus Is The Hope For The Hopeless"

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10
New International Version (NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Here are some helpful reminders that we might apply to our children to avoid this issues:

1. Bring Them To Jesus:

Scripture :

Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]

2. Following You As Their Parents

Scripture:

Ephesians 6:1-3
New International Version (NIV)

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a]

Proverbs 1:8-9
New International Version (NIV)

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

And to The Second Question "What might be the reason that triggers them to do this?" Well here are some of the main reasons why:

1. First there is no one taking any responsibility of guiding them to the right direction.

2. And second instead of introducing the youth to know the Lord we Adults sometimes the main reason why they are doing this.

Remember This :

Jesus already paid the price in full in order for our children to be free from sins that's why don't you dare lead them back to sins.

As parents don't you dare look for someone to blame why your children are lost, restless and unrighteous for you parents are the one who is making them lost , restless and unrighteous.. due to ungodly example, guidance and not even going to church

Conclusion :

We Adult should be a great example for our next generations and not an advocate of evil to them ....Amen