I’m teaching a U.S. History class this year, a subject I’ve always loved. Lately, I’ve considered the moral challenges that confront each generation. The “Roaring 20′s” brought an alarming increase in immodesty in American society. There was also great debate about alcohol use in our country. In fact, in 1919, the Eighteenth Amendment banned the production, sale, or import of alcoholic beverages. In 1925, a highly publicized trial pitted Bible-believing, William Jennings Bryan, against Clarence Darrow, who argued that his client should be allowed to teach evolution. The Scopes “Monkey” Trial in Dayton, Tennessee was the first trial ever broadcast over American radio.
A generation later came the “baby boomers”. I grew up in the 60′s and 70′s, a tumultuous time where rebellion seemed to explode across the land. “Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n Roll” was the theme of young people in search for the meaning of life. The thought of “free love” was promoted as musicians sang such lines as: “If you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with…” Of course, “free love” has led to more disease, brokenness, and pain than anyone could have ever predicted. The devil doesn’t usually advertise the result of his lies. In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to lead public prayer in public schools.
The kids I teach are growing up in the 2000′s. They’ve seen their share of Court rulings about God’s name. Drugs and alcohol are still around, and the world’s teaching about sexuality has grown cloudier and cloudier with the prominent theme being that “nothing is wrong.” I don’t think it’s an easy time to be a teenager.
So where is the hope?
The hope for today is the same as the hope for one who grew up in the 60′s, or the 20′s, or any generation – Jesus. He says, “If the whole world becomes immodest, you keep your eyes on Me and obey Me and I’ll take care of you. If the whole world gets high and says ‘free love’ is the way to go, you listen to Me and believe that I am the way. If the whole world says any lifestyle is OK and you should simply do as you please, trust that I know what will bring you true happiness and follow Me. If the whole world says that I don’t exist, remember the fool has said in his heart there is no God. Don’t listen to fools.”
To those of any generation who believe in Him, Jesus says: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:31-32
And to those of any generation who reject Him (even those who claim to know God), Jesus says: “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am now here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:42-44