“This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
“Whoever devotes themselves to themselves will have nothing to show for themselves but themselves.” Anonymous
In this world of “I” – I-phones, I-pads, I-cloud, etc., it’s an awakening to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around the “I”‘s in our lives. Each generation has a plan for how life and the world should be, but God’s way is not always their way. At this point, there are three generations in our immediate family, and there is certainly a huge gap between the oldest and youngest in terms of the world view. I like to think we teach each other a lot!
There are six different generations living in this world today. The first is the Traditionalists or Silent Generation who grew up in the depression and exhibit characteristics of morality, loyalty and are team players.
The second is the Baby Boomers who grew up in the 40’s and 50’s and are characterized as disciplined, self sacrificing, driven, and optimistic.
Thirdly, is the Generation X folks who are described as entrepreneurial, self absorbed, and individualistic.
Fourthly, the Millennials who have never known a world without computers. They need to be told over and over again that they are special, and they expect the world to treat them that way. They prefer a relaxed work environment with a lot of hand holding and accolades.
Lastly, the Generation Z or Centennials who must have a cell phone (even young children), TV’s in every room, and video games. They are savvy consumers who know what they want and how to get it. The Alpha babies of today will be the sixth generation, and we will have to wait for their characteristics.
These generations are so far apart in their view of religion, Christianity, politics, social issues, moral issues, finances, and almost everything else. The fact that longevity of life has increased, raises the question of how all these different life styles can come together for a common good. It is my opinion that each generation has something of value that could be shared with all the others if we would but open our hearts and minds to it.
Perhaps a common ground could be the investment in others. When you invest in another person, you actually give yourself a gift, because you can’t light someone else’s path without brightening your own. Each generation has something to offer that no one else can give. If we put “I” aside and focus on “we”, what a difference we could make together!