What Generation are You?
Jesus said to the crowds: "To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.' (Luke 7:31-32)
If you are involved in strategic planning, you might have heard someone mention about different types of generations such as Millennials, gen Xers and baby boomers. In general, there are 5 generations that I have heard of.
- Traditionalists or Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before
- Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964
- Generation X: Born 1965 to 1976
- Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 to 1995
- Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1996 and later
Each generation is shaped by parenting philosophy, technology, and economics, and has its own characters and expectations depend on where you are coming from. We can learn valuable lesson, good or bad, from each of them. Jesus, in Luke 31-32, compares the people to a stiff neck generation. Who were they? They were the one who made excuses to reject not only John the Baptist but also Jesus’ teachings. “They were not to be like their ancestors, / a rebellious and defiant generation, / A generation whose heart was not constant, / and whose spirit was not faithful to God. (Psalms 78:8) “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. (Acts 7:51) It’s PRIDE that keeps them from hearing what God is saying. Pride makes their necks stiff. How is your neck now? Check on the following symptoms to see if you need a dose of HUMILITY.
1. Certainty that you are always right.
2. Refusal to listen to anyone else.
3. Defensive when criticized.
4. Making excuses for your shortcomings.
5. Lashing out at others.
6. No desire to examine your own life.
7. Repeated pattern of misbehavior.
8. Prayer without repentance.
Jesus, my days are booked up with so much activity and noise that it's extremely hard for me even to reflect about my need for conversion of heart. Please help me to turn away from my sins and bad habits by turning to you and imitating you. Wash me of my sins, and draw me close to you.
Lord, you will open my lips;
and my mouth will proclaim your praise.
For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn. (Psalms 51:17-19)
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent Vuong Nguyen