Has hypocrisy in the Evangelical community increased in the
last few decades, or does it just seem that way because of a ‘real time’ media
ever ready to pounce on our shame? Not surprisingly, young evangelicals have
embraced authenticity as a core value.
What does it mean to be
authentic? To be honest about your weaknesses. But we know that sharing 'honest' feelings is a subjective reality, and not always positive (Phil. 2:14); and Paul said, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so
that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29).
Where's the balance? While honesty is an essential element of our intimacy, subjective human experience must always occupy an inferior position to objective truth which transcends experience. Honestly, “apart from Christ, I can do nothing; there is nothing good in me” (Jn. 15:5; Ro. 7:18). Objectively, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). And that's the honest to God truth!
Remember when 7-Up was promoted as the “UN-cola?” Well, according to a Pew Research survey, the Milliennials (the first generation of the 21st century) are the UN-branded generation— they are rejecting religious denominations—UN-willing to conform to or be labeled by tired traditions.
Frankly, I fail to see how this makes the Millennials so different from my generation—the Baby Boomers. We also were dissatisfied with the status quo, looking for ‘new’ ways of expressing. We too were disturbed by the feeble state of the church. So the “Jesus Movement” was born: new ministries and “Bible churches” were launched. The question is “how will the Millennials—the ‘net’ generation—deal with their disillusionment?” Having grown up watching reality TV, no doubt they are expecting genuineness from their church experience. I believe this desire for authenticity underlies the emerging church movement.
Pray that this “hungry-for-change” generation will not be so eager for change they will believe in almost anyone who promises it. Peter warns in the ‘latter days’ there will be false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” (1 Pet. 2:1). We are already seeing heretical doctrine coming out of some of the emerging churches. Pray that our UN-branded Millennial children will not fall for the wrong brand!
