Things are going from bad to worse, right? People have their priorities upside down. Marriages are falling apart. The economy is in shambles. The environment is deteriorating. Worse, the younger generation doesn’t seem to care. The future looks bleak.
If that’s what you think, then think again. Watch this video. Share it with your children, your youth group, and the 20-somethings in your workforce. Then have a conversation about what is possible if we make different choices.
Question: What is your vision of the future. What is your responsibility to make a difference?
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Well I am a twenty something so this hits hard for me. We are out there, those that know how decisions impact us, and that want to make things right and see a better future. We just have to keep growing the number of people that are exposed to this same kind of thinking. It's lack of knowledge I am truly convinced that will destroy my generations shot at abundantly fulfilled life! I will pass this video on to all I know, great find :)
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Wow, that is so powerful! And so true. I see this idealism and focus in the kids at my church. They are our future and it's a good one!
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
I think we so often sell these kids short. They just need to be challenged!
http://intensedebate.com/people/MonikaM MonikaM
That goes for adults as well!
Teri D. Smith
What a powerful video. I'll send folks here to watch it!
Hunter Baker
Very cleverly done.
http://intensedebate.com/people/evaulian EvaUlian
I think society has strayed quite a way of from the ideals on the video which means a lot of reversal work has to be done- but as continents were converted by missionaries, "social" missionaries will have to be enlisted to do the reversal work in our communities- internet/web missionaries are an excellent category for this kind of work, don't you think?
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Absolutely. The church has always made use of new technologies. Christian are already doing it.
Dan Lynch
I'm sending this on to every graduate I know…very powerful.
http://www.samanthakrieger.com Samantha
I'm a twenty-something Michael. When I read your post's title and saw the video I thought instead, "Will I choose God?" I think it means the same as "Which future will I choose?" It's a question our generation must grapple with before we answer and act on the others.
My husband and I do ministry with Apartment Life (reaching out to residents in our apartment community) so we're actively involved in 20 and 30 something lives, many of which are nonbelievers. The decisions they're making have everything to do with whether they will choose to submit and surrender their lives to Christ. Some of them have done this and it has been incredible to see how everything just seems to fall into place after that.
How come we make it so complicated by not calling sin what it is and realizing that what we're really in need of is a Savior?
Thanks for the post- as always.
http://intensedebate.com/people/MonikaM MonikaM
Go Samantha! Simple wisdom, refreshing to read:)
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
I agree.
http://www.brilliantpublishing.com Maureen Williams
WOW! Brilliant simply BRILLIANT!!!!
http://www.kimmirich.wordpress.com Kimmi
A nod to Samantha above. Aye to which future.
To make a difference … When I get to the end of life, I hope that I do not have a single bit of talent left and can honestly say, I used everything He gave to me. — Erma Bombeck
http://www.dineenmiller.com Dineen Miller
I so admire the writers who can do these types of reverse storytelling. I've seen it before. So powerful! As a mom of two girls, one adult and one soon to be, I see this reality. My oldest is definitely a postmodernist. She's not content with the current situation and my youngest is even worse about it. They ask me questions I can't answer, because I don't feel much different than they do. The growing injustices of this world seem to be the future thrust of these future activists. I'm learning to understand that we can't change the world as a whole from evil to good (the Bible is clear about what's to come), but we can make a difference in the lives of those around us by being obedient to whatever call God has put on our lives. That's the legacy I hope to leave them.
http://intensedebate.com/people/fogbound fogbound
This is good- no it's great! How many are losing hope today because of so much negative news. Things seem to be going from bad to worse, but it's happened before and things can turn around. This message is well worth sharing! Thanks Michael for sharing this.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Yes, I agree. That's why I think we have to be a positive influence on this generation and challenge them to rise to the occasion.
I began a website blog on Good Friday regarding this exact issue. Our next generation has everything they need to utilize science and technology to unite the globe. I firmly believe they have the courage and creativity to climb higher, and we need to be their stepping stone of hope. They have endless possibilities indeed. Thank you! Michele
Wonderful creativity and a wonderful message. And yes, to Samantha above, I loved your words when you wrote…
When I read your post's title and saw the video I thought instead, "Will I choose God?" I think it means the same as "Which future will I choose?"
That is a question not just for your generation, but for all people of all generations.
http://intensedebate.com/people/MonikaM MonikaM
I will live out my vision of the future according to my view of God's involvement in the future. This relates to my vision of the past as well. We asked where God was on 9-11 for example. For me, He was where I placed Him. For you, He was where you placed Him. Where was He when great things happened? He was where we each placed Him in our own lives, as far as our experienced reality is concerned. If I keep my reality in Him, He will show me what my true responsibilities will be in the future as He is showing me what they are now. Kudos to Samantha above for your comment!
My vision of the future is that a new understanding of God's absolute love–the love that is perfect, complete, and real–will sweep through our world and change the human race in ways I cannot begin to imagine. Rather than hold onto understandings that haven't changed for centuries, we will begin to allow the Holy Spirit to transpose the scriptures into vibrant words that will help us to lay hold of the life that Jesus came to bring us and to know God in the power of His righteousness.
My responsibility is to pray for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom from God, to love (through my actions) everyone, and to speak and write words that will encourage people to seek God with everything they have.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
That is a GREAT future to choose!
http://www.marydemuth.com Mary E. DeMuth
I see a lot of hope in the next generation, actually. My own kids are testimony to that. My daughter has a great big heart for orphans. My son raises money for water in Africa, and my littlest thinks beyond the confines of suburbia.
And their friends are doing similar things. It energizes and jazzes me to be around them all.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
I see this in my own kids, too, Mary. Two of them went to Africa before I did. One went to Nicaragua, and one to China and Romania. I have one leaving for Ethiopia next month. They want to make a difference!
Blair
It's great that we live in a global environment today. More and more the youth are being subjected to not only what's going on around them in their neighborhood/city but what is going on around them in the world and they have the ability to impact that. Much has changed from the time I grew up where your community/city was your bubble and anything outside of that, well… it just didn't affect you.
But I guess the question is not so much how the youth will impact the generations to come but more so what are we doing to impact them. This video really points that out for me. So I guess the real question is what "Legacy" will you leave?
The sad reality ladies and gentlemen is that not one of
us is going to get out of here alive and the not so sad
reality to this sad reality if you shall please the question "who are you
leaving with?"
Don't be fascinated with yourself, your life, your position,
family, friends, possessions, your religion, what or who
you know. You cannot watch a video, save an orphan or
pray for an abundant eternity. Help Christ, he'll help you.
Sidney
http://CarryingDaily.blogspot.com Martin
I am the younger generation and I do care. I envision a future with tough choices but strong outcomes. By focusing on Christ and Godly decisions, joy can be brought abundantly. It's hard to fix errors or go against the norm, but not impossible. My responsibilities lie in moral and ethical upholding and support, and healthy decisions that support respect for people and their environment.
http://intensedebate.com/people/michaelhyatt Michael Hyatt
Good for you, Martin. It's not impossible, as you note; Lead on!
I help people live and lead on purpose. I am also the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Read more about me ...
These are the amazing people who help moderate my comments and provide leadership to our growing community.
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at Dynamic Communicators International. She lives in Colorado with her husband Troy and three teenage sons. You can connect with Michele on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, The Ordained Barista, visit him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his blog or Twitter.
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the Willow Creek Association. She holds a degree in information management and is working on her Master’s in Library Science. Given the gift of time, top on her list would be a long bike ride, a great novel, and a farmer’s market dinner. Follow her on Twitter.
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for MentorNetwork Ministry. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 33 years. Read his blog, A Place for the God-Hungry, and follow him on Twitter.
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of Resolute Creative, a digital marketing group. He loves seeing organizations of all sizes come alive when they identify the best digital solutions to advance their cause. Tim enjoys working out, running marathons, playing golf and spending time with his wife and three kids. Connect with him on his blog, follow him Twitter or connect with him via LinkedIn.
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of Wevival and Shop My Church. Jason also blogs at Heart Your Church about church ministry in the social media era. When he’s not helping customers, or working on his latest project, you will find him hanging with his family, reading, learning to code, cooking, hobby farming, and exercising. Connect with him on Twitter and Google +.
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of Grace Is: A Practical Guide to God’s Love. He is an avid blogger at JeremyStatton.com focusing on helping others live a better story. Follow him on Twitter.
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing their remarkable survival story. He enjoys real estate investing, serving at his home church, watching NFL and NASCAR, improving his 10K time, and hanging out with his family at their Powhatan, Virginia home. Connect with John via blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for Monk Development, builders of Ekklesia 360. A proud husband and dad, Justin and his family live in Des Moines, Iowa. When not running, reading, or cooking, find him blogging at JustinWise.net, online at Justin.am, or on Twitter.
Pingback: What The Future Will Look Like… Is Up To You | Brandon A. Cox - Personal and Pastor's Blog