“No one wants to talk about God,” he says, and something in my heart breaks both for him and the world into which he was born. In a culture obsessed with knowing the latest celebrity gossip, taking the perfect selfie, and living in the moment instead of for the future, it’s no wonder that Jesus is a tough topic transition for his twenty-something crowd.
Intellectual by nature, I know he can discuss theology with insight and intelligence, but I worry that this floundering in the shallow end of the conversational pool reflects the current depth of his thoughts and relationship with God.
Does he see Jesus as real and alive, an ever-present companion? Putting Him to the side is like leaving your best friend in the corner.
You can articulate your faith as the greatest theologian, but it means nothing if it’s only head knowledge and not heart knowledge.
A deeper discussion reveals the truth: his faith remains sound, but many of his friends have little. It’s a fine line to be in the world but not of it, even harder to walk when you’re young and the pressures weigh.
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
– 1 Corinthians 15:33
In the book of Acts, the apostles spread the Gospel in the face of constant threat and pressure to just shut up and move on. They got mixed reactions wherever they preached: some embraced truth but some rejected it, and rejected it violently.
Talking about Jesus has never been popular in some corners.
Whether popular or not, may we speak as Peter and John, who would not be silenced.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
– Acts 4:17:20 (emphasis mine)
The apostles lived and served with the fervor of ones fresh from the face of God, witnesses to the personal ministry of Jesus Christ, but we, too, can testify of His mercies in our lives.
Has He healed your marriage?
Saved you from abuse or addiction?
Protected your children?
Spared you from physical harm?
Stood beside you when no one else would?
“Honestly, it might be time to evaluate the crowd you hang with . . .” I say to him, knowing the words might sound harsh. “They may be harder to find, but there are people your age that you can have deeper conversations with. Conversations about your faith. I know it.”
It requires planning to put yourself in places with people who feed instead of divert you.
Don’t deny Him and His presence in your life or let the society you keep dilute your conscience. You can’t put Jesus in a box. There are people in this world who really do want to talk about God. Let them be your people.
by Dawn Camp, My Home Sweet Home
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Kristen says
Nicely written Dawn! It’s so true that through fellowship with other believers, our faith has a chance to grow. I love my bible study friends and the relationships I have been able to form through them 🙂
Dawn Camp says
Bible study friendships should naturally grow deep, shouldn’t they. Thank you for your comment!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Dawn,
I NEED my Christian friends and the body of believers! They are my refueling station in this world. Though we are commanded to go out and spread the gospel to unbelievers, like Jesus, we need to pull ourselves away and be in the Father’s presence and in the presence of those who feed our soul. It’s a careful balancing act…to be, as you said, “in this world, but not of it”. My heart aches for this generation who, as a whole, seem so far removed from God. My prayer is that I can be a seed to help soften their hearts…thanks for a powerful post this morning!
Blessings,
Bev
Dawn Camp says
Bev, you are so right: we have to keep ourselves fueled to be able to reach out to others.
traci beeson says
so well-written, and something that i have been noticing and trying to work on in my own twenty-something life. you’re right – there ARE people his age who want to talk about God! but they can be so hard to find. most of my closer friends live hundreds of miles away, but i cherish those relationships *because* they are the ones who i can talk about my God and my faith freely with, and have deep discussions with about what He is teaching us, how He is growing us. i loved what you said at the end – “let them be your people.” i think that is key, not to stop hanging out with those with more shallow conversations completely, but to evaluate who “your people” are, and to spend *more* of your time with those who challenge and strengthen you, feed you, and those you can feed, as well.
Dawn Camp says
Traci, this is so good. Yes, you don’t have to limit your friends—hopefully you can be a positive influence and a catalyst for change with those who need it—but you need time with those who feed you. Thank you.
Amy says
Beautiful words and an important reminder for us not to stop speaking of God and sharing how He has worked in our lives.
Dawn Camp says
Thanks, Amy—yes, we all have a story to tell!
Taylor says
I’m a “twenty-something” and I was actually just talking to someone the other day about how relationships that aren’t rooted in Christ are just that, not rooted in Christ and shallow. There is no fulfillment in it. The Bible does tell us to spur each other along and if you’re surrounded by people than can’t do that or don’t want to do that, that’s of absolutely no benefit to you. I’ve recently connected with a small life group and even in our first meeting, I could tell that these relationships were already so much deeper than some of the people I’ve known for years. It’s amazing what a support group can do! Amazing post and I will be subscribing!
Taylor
Dawn Camp says
It’s great that you’ve got a group to plug into where deeper relationships can flourish. Blessings!
Cindy in PA says
Thank you for writing this Dawn. I have two “kids” in their twenties and watch them navigate their young adult years building friendships with believers and non-believers. It’s good to have conversations with them about their faith.
Dawn Camp says
We never stop being mothers, do we? Our older kids can need us as much as our younger.
Michele Morin says
So easy to forget that our godly friends are a means of grace by which we “build ourselves up in our most holy faith.” Good reminder. Thank you.
Shannon says
I am a “40- something” and am STILL working hard to find Christ centered friendships. It’s not easy….people aren’t always as deep as you might think. But then again….some people are way deeper than you imagine. Reach out. Try it. What’s the worst that can happen??? You just might plant a seed somewhere that another person can reap at the right time.
Dawn Camp says
Shannon, I love this. I know what you mean about those surprises (never judge a book by its cover!).
Beth Williams says
Dawn,
Wise words to your son! It is so very hard to be in the world but not of the world. I love my Bible study gals and the people of my church! They help grow me spiritually and keep me accountable!
I’m fortunate to live in an area that is mostly Christian and my work place is mostly Christian also. This old world is so full of junk that they push off as ok!
Thank you for keeping your children in line with the word!
Taylor Smith says
It’s so hard to talk about God sometimes, you’re so right! I know that is exactly where Satan wants us, too. I’m glad to know there are other people out there who enjoy talking about Him too, and I’ve found that the deepest and most meaningful relationships stem from God-based conversations. Great read!