What do you consider a modern day Christian? Is it someone who goes to church? Reads the bible? Or is it someone who has a strong love and trust for God? All of the things that people think are required to be a "good" or "faithful" Christian are a little skewed these days. The simple fact that you can believe in whatever you want is a beautiful idea but there seems to be a little more control being had on the idea of free thought. Christ loving Millennials often have these overwhelming thoughts about love, God and everything that goes into it.
1. Stop telling us to go to church!
Gone are the days when, every Sunday, you have to get up, go to a church and listen to an old, white male talk about how Jesus saved us all and proceed to pull it all from the first testament. Now you can go to youth group, or Sunday school or a blended service - where different points of view are the fuel to the fire of faith! You don't have to go to church to have a strong relationship with God; it just isn't so. Having an unbreakable bond is as easy as being baptized, believing and praying. Going to Church every week doesn't define you as a Christian; you define you as a Christian.
2. Yes, we read the bible.
Everyone owns a bible or knows someone with a bible. Its just a simple fact; the bible is the best-selling book in the world. So, if you think about it, it's also hard to believe that "young people don't read the bible." We do. We do it on buses to and from class, plane rides to vacation, on audiobooks while walking or before bed at night. Just because you never see it doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. They make apps now that make it fun to actually sit down and read popular verses from the bible, and also pick your own favorite verse. The Holy word isn't dead; it is very much alive and well.
3. Equality does not mean being any less faithful.
Today, we are surrounded by bias and bigotry wherever we go. It could be about Gay rights, Breastfeeding in public, racism or any number of other things, but that doesn't mean you can't treat them how you wish to be treated.
"Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you
shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets."
-Matthew 7:12
(I got that from my bible app) This comes directly from the Bible (the world English version), and it says "Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you
shall also do to them." It doesn't have a "you need to do this EXCEPT..." No, it means everyone. No one ever said you need to take part in or believe in whatever they do. But, if you are kind and a caring Christian, then you will love them no matter what.
4. Be more open to controversial conversation topics.
We love talking to you. Sometimes we don't agree with what you are saying, but we love hearing different views on different subjects. That's what makes us so diverse, but you have to talk to us for that to happen. You can't be scared to have a conversation about something that's controversial. We want to hear what you think. We have the same faith as you - we just have a younger take on it.
5. We believe in the same God.
You see us as the younger generation and the "technology" generation, but that had nothing to do with the God we believe in. He is the one true God. He is referred to as such because there is only one. I promise you that a Millennial that is 16 can have just as passionate of a faith as a 67-year-old baby boomer. We do things a little differently, but that doesn't mean we are any less faithful.
God is the one constant throughout all of time. He has been there to create the heavens and the earth and to bring us all into existence. Belief is holding hands with God and trusting him not to let go.
6. Pray with us because we love you.
We love you. We love anyone who loves us. We know that you can get mad at us sometimes, but we love you. We love your bible that has been passed through the family for generations; we love your old, beautiful churches that we go to when we visit; we love that you love Him. So, when you see us, pray with us. Take our hands for a few minutes and let us share our faith with you. We live to serve our God, so why don't you take time to help us strengthen our faith.
7. Don't judge.
Having a judgment-free society is next to impossible, but we can start somewhere... We do things differently, yes, but we believe in the same God. Seeing is believing, and believing is acceptance. If we do or say something you don't agree with, then talk to us! We love when you talk to us about or faith. Discussion is what builds tolerance.
8. Come on a mission trip with us.
Come put your faith to work. One of our favorite things to do is go on mission trips. We strengthen our faith and have so much fun at the same time and, really, what's better than that? We would love to see you building a habitat house or serving at the breadline. We love to act on our faith and make others believe in Christ. So come with us and help us and you become better Christians. Oh, and smile while you do it.
