Many would say that as decades have passed and new generations have taken the lead, our culture has worsened, our morals have run askew, and our priorities have turned upside down. However, a dangerous and unbiblical conclusion has been tacked on to these observations: younger generations are simply unreachable with the gospel.

As a member of one of those generations (Gen Z), I can tell you that nothing is further from the truth.

In complete transparency, I must admit that I had once fallen into the trap of believing there was no hope for my generation. The Bible itself promises our secular world will only get worse in several places. But when I looked at scripture in the fulness of its beauty,  I realized that the direction of our secular world does not mean we get to give up on the generations (younger or older) that make up our world…

Plainly stated, the idea of an unreachable generation is founded in myth and falsehoods – here’s why:

The Bible does not say that there will ever be a time where nobody believes.

The Bible makes a lot of promises. It promises that there will be times of difficulty, disobedience, and selfishness (2 Timothy 3:1-17); it promises that Christ will return (Hebrews 9:28); but it never promises that there will be a time on this earth where nobody believes in Him. There will always be a purpose to share the gospel with all generations as long as there are people who believe and people who do not.

Why stop sharing the gospel if it is always possible for God to save the unbelieved?

Joel 1:3 – Tell your children about it, and let your children tell their children, and their children the next generation.

You cannot give up on the younger generations because Jesus did not give up on you.

It is so easy to label younger generations as hopeless or unreachable, but the second you label the youth as either of those things is the second you give up on them. That is not the example Christ set on the cross.

No matter the imperfections and sins, Jesus never gave up on you. He did not say you were too young to understand, your morals were not yet aligned with His, or your sin was unforgivable. Instead, He welcomed you with open arms, accepted you as you were, and helped you get through all the challenges in life.

This is the example that should be set. Know that any generation is not worth giving up on because Jesus has never given up and will never give up.

Psalm 78:4 – We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

The younger generations need the older generations.

It may seem that newer generations have a mind of their own. The reality is that my generation and the generation above and below me are hungry for wisdom and authentic guidance from older generations more than ever before.

Share the gospel and impart the wisdom you have to those younger than you. Many are open to listening and having those engaging conversations when you show genuine compassion and care for them. Remember that it is just as important to listen as much as it is to share. The youth want to be heard, feel important and valued. Let them know that you care.

Learn from them, try to understand them, and let them learn from you. Don’t be afraid to share what the Lord has called all believers to share – the good news of Jesus Christ.