Reflections: Let’s expect more from our youth

Sometimes it seems as though several sources combine in my personal journey to drive home a point. Maybe I’m slow to understand—or perhaps it just underscores that I’m not the only one concerned about something. Regardless, I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to reverse the tendency in our society toward low expectations for youth. 

Recently I viewed Kirk Cameron’s documentary, “Monumental,” which I highly recommend to anyone interested in our nation’s foundations of freedom based on biblical principles. That documentary, plus some additional reading, reminded me that some of our Founders took great responsibility at young ages, often their twenties! Although not all had access to formal education, all were taught the importance of foundational academics and history. John Quincy Adams accompanied his father, John Adams, on diplomatic trips during his early teens, preparing him to serve in similar positions while still young and later to follow in his father’s footsteps as President of the United States. 

The Bible gives context for young leaders as well: The Apostle Paul’s letter of instruction to Timothy says, “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” (1 Tim. 4:12, NIV). Paul felt Timothy was well-prepared for the responsibility of leading a local church, even in the challenging Greco-Roman context, because of early training by his godly mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Many scholars believe Titus, another recipient of Paul’s pastoral counsel, was also young. 

I have found materials in my parents’ keepsakes that reinforce the concept of responsible youth. Lacking access to high school, my grandfather was apprenticed to a blacksmith while young. My dad was one of thousands of young World War II soldiers, many still in their teens, who went charging out of Higgins boats at Normandy or on Pacific islands to do what needed to be done. Their education, at schools there was a Bible on the teacher’s desk, had taught them freedom is worth fighting for. The Monument to the Forefathers described in Cameron’s documentary depicts a stone tablet, a scroll and other reminders of study and faith. 

It’s sad to see how low expectations of youth have infiltrated society: Testing standards are lower; students are sometimes advanced to the next grade with only minimal reading skills. I’m saddened by how many high schoolers can’t write a clear, cohesive paragraph. 

On the other hand, it’s encouraging to see some educational settings returning to a more classical model with higher standards. I’m also seeing avenues in some churches for training youth—my church’s denominational fellowship, for example, hosts fine arts competition that also includes categories like sermon preparation. Other churches are adopting age-aligned Bible curriculum to help families facilitate discussion with children. After decades of age-segregated services with production-oriented entertainment for kids, some churches are rediscovering the importance of multi-generational programs. Concerned Women of America’s affiliated Young Women of America groups are stepping up on many college campuses, and Christian student groups are seeing an uptick in membership. Recent research indicates young men ages 18-29 are becoming more conservative and seeking mentorship; we must not disappoint them!  

As our young people head back to school this fall, let us encourage them to prepare for true godly leadership; and let’s keep our legislators and local leaders accountable for environments that create high expectations for our next generation of leaders.