As Christ-followers and parents, we set the course that our children will navigate (Prov. 22:6). If we train them that success in business & education is most important, don’t be surprised when they carry this pursuit further than you have anticipated. If sports dominates your agenda and checkbook, than expect that this will become their highest priority. If you are most energized by politics, chisel it in stone that the cult of America will dominate their thinking in a greater way than does the gospel. As Voddie Baucham said, “We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar…and be surprised when they come back as Romans.”

For at least the past twenty years, American churches have been wringing their hands over the fact that our 18-22 year-olds have been walking out of our churches and not returning. We’ve learned to bemoan the fact that we have “lost” a generation. In many cases, however, we haven’t lost them. They are continuing to travel down the same course we set them on!

My goal in stating all of this is not to heap guilt or misery on parents. It is, however, a call for our churches to prioritize the most important things. Churches that appeal to sensuality to draw and keep members – it feels good, sounds good, tastes good, looks good, smells good – will inevitably have to rival the world to maintain our members’ allegiances. If we prioritize God’s glory as demonstrated through Jesus His Son, then there will be no other rivalry. No one else can offer the hope of Christ in us!