How can a young person maintain a pure life?

Psalms 119:9

The last few years have shown that there is a shifting landscape on the horizon in America. Though still in the minority the number of “nones” (those who identify themselves as having no religious affiliation) continues to be on the rise. The Pew Research Center’s survey of Americans has shown a steady rise in the number on nones the last seven years. The majority of them say that they believe in God, though that has been on the decline as well. Overall, they do not see religion as a significant part of life. This broad group is especially among the rise in younger adults. A recent survey shows that nearly 30% of college Freshmen identify themselves as nones.
 How can we reach this growing number of Americans who seem to be so disconnected and disinterested with faith? Becoming aware of the change in religious landscape should not make us feel threatened; instead it should help us understand that things cannot be approached as they once were in our country. The context that we are living in demands that we pay attention to the lives that are around us. Before we can share the gospel message we need to understand and be able to listen to those around us. They are our neighbors.  

 What are we doing to reach the nones in our communities? The truth is that there has been a growing decline of young people in church for years and we have not understood why. We simply continued to approach ministry as though American people were the same as previous generations. Churches must become intentional in desiring to reach the generations following us. As a young minister, I am convinced that the needs for faith in Christ are as great now as ever. But many people do not see church as a solution to the human condition. For many, it is simply a heritage that is no longer a part of their lives.  

 The message needs to be felt just as much as it needs to be heard. Relationships must be built in order for the Words of Christ to connect with people’s lives. The saying, “I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care” rings true for all of us. You are not a Christian today simply because you opened the Bible and started reading. God, in his divine wisdom, put special men and women in your life to embody the message of the Living Christ. As community has become more individualistic we have forgotten how to develop new and lasting relationships with different people. There are no shortcuts and quick schemes. It requires much patience and prayer. Can God use you to help connect them to Christ? Yes. The question the church must answer is, do we want him too?