I am (A)-Millennial

I recently had a chat with several friends about our children. The term that was used to describe this current generation was “Millennials.” I am not a social scientist, but I am very interested in the culture war discussions, as it pertains to the interaction of Christian theology and its application in the public dialogues. I’m not very thoughtful on this subject, so I need to do a lot more reading in this area……in addition to my regular areas of academic studies.

As for that term “Millennial,” I must confess that I have always struggled with a simple and clear definition. What do people mean by this term? Generational labels have always been elusive and semantically squishy to me. From Baby-boomers to baby-busters, Gen-Xers to Gen-Yers. Now I’m told that Gen-Z is a real thing! Someone lacked real vision in this entire discussion by not beginning with Gen-Aers! After XYZ, there are no more letters in the alphabet to continue the labels! But the more important question—what do all these mean?

I’m clearly out of date. I’m still trying to figure out what it means to be a Millennial! From my discussion with other parents and seminary students, I didn’t get a very flattering picture. Supposedly, millennials are considered to be lazy, narcissistic, and unable to make commitments. They have a sense of entitlement and eager to sacrifice a steady paying career in order to pursue their own personal interests. One person referred to them as the “Me-Generation.”

From this description, I don’t think that I would want to be a millennial.

I can’t say for certain that this is an accurate description, but I do recall my parents describing my generation in the same exact way—selfish, lazy, unable to endure hardship, looking for the easy way out. A pastor of my parents actually even shared with me that he saw no hope for my generation! However, I wonder what my grandparents said about my parents? Are people really that different when our real struggle is against the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21)? Sin is not limited to one generation. It is not prejudicial, biased, or racist. Sin doesn’t do demographic studies nor does it have preferences. Sin destroys; sin condemns; sin brings death. Instead of getting caught up in generational labels, perhaps it is more helpful to focus on discussions of overcoming sin and growing in our sanctification. In other words, from the description above, everyone wants to be A-Millennial.

Having said that, I see something else. My children hardly fit this description. I work in a graduate school context with many millennials. They are not like this either. In fact, I see other characteristics in this generation that are praiseworthy. First, they crave community and are eager to create intimate groups. In that sense, I see them embracing the second greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39), in ways that my generation could not. What many may see as a character flaw in a person, they are eager to embrace as a special aspect to an individual’s personality. For that reason, this generation has the heart to share the love of Christ to those who would turn away from the church otherwise: those coming from broken families, those rejected by our society, etc. Even those who live in immoralism, this generation has a heart to reach and love. Our faith condemns many of the virtues in our secular world, but we are still called to love them. Millennials can do this; they are great at that! They are especially strong in building communities that cross cultures and ethnic groups. I know the gospel does this, but they seem in-tune with loving others that is genuine and sincere that makes the love of Christ powerful for many who desperately need it.

Second, millennials are not obsessed with wealth. They are fueled by other passions that are more focused upon people, and this is a good thing. Better than other generations, millennials can say “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (Prov. 16:16), or “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways” (Prov. 28:6). They appreciate that money, though necessary, has its weaknesses. When it comes to true godly wisdom, “Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold” (Job 28:17). I don’t know if they see this as wise, but it certainly is! On this note, I would appreciate if millennials were a bit more thoughtful about where their money is going to come from? Just saying.

Third, millennials trust in the Lord. Many struggle to find work due to the national economic crisis. Yet, they remain optimistic and hopeful of their future. Their faith has been viewed as a laissez-faire attitude, but it could also be a pure trust in the sovereignty of God that allows them to live from day to day without emotional strain and with a pleasant temperament.

I have four millennials in my home. Two are public school music teachers, two have finished college, and one just got married. I have met their friends, they have been to my home, we have shared meals, and had many discussions. The strengths of millennials are what I see in them and I admire them for it. In that sense, I hope that I can be a Millennial as well. However, there are two things that I hope they will take to heart. As they reach out and extend the love of God towards others, remember that there is “the greatest commandment,” which is to love God. It is true that money is just money, but God is truly God. To have Christ is to have everything, to not have Him is to have nothing.

Finally, this is a young and enthusiastic generation, eager to contribute their thoughts from their young perspective that they believe offers new, fresh insights into old discussions. True, but remember that there is a generation before you who have experienced and gained much knowledge. Time and time again, in the book of Proverbs, a father appeals to his son to “Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching” (Prov. 4:1-2). The father is wise and wants to pass that onto his son, but only if the son will hear it and heed it. In other words, a new perspective may not always be the best thing. Sometimes, the old is pretty good. Or even better, let’s pursue a biblical one!

So, for millennials, be millennials in the best way possible but remember that to love the Lord is the “great and first commandment” (Matt. 22:38). Be A-Millennial insofar as the values of this generation do not conform to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). Remember that there is a wise and godly Pre-Millennial generation, who already have done great things that you can learn from. And, together, we can make a golden Post-Millennial era!