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In general, individuals born between 1980 and 2000 are categorized as part of the millennial generation or Generation Y. This cohort has encountered significant changes in technological advancements, culture, and economic stability, influencing how these young adults have approached life, work, and society. Millennials are frequently criticized for being self-centered, lazy, and generally less moral than previous generations. While the Bible does not specifically mention the millennial generation or older generations, it does discuss youth and old age extensively in both the Old and New Testaments. This is crucial in assessing the millennial generation and dispelling misconceptions.
One of the primary allegations against millennials is their self-centeredness. Their utilization of technology and smartphones is often cited as proof of a self-absorbed generation focused on sharing selfies and garnering the most likes on a post or photo. The millennial generation has witnessed significant technological advancements, leading them to be more engaged in social media and technology compared to older generations. However, making a blanket statement that all millennials are self-centered is akin to claiming that all baby boomers are irritable. Many millennials use social media and their phones to stay connected with friends and contribute to their community, a behavior also observed in older adults. A large part of millennials’ smartphone and technology usage is driven by the desire to connect with others and foster relationships—a need inherent in humans, as designed by God (Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Individuals from older generations also argue that millennials are indolent or inexperienced. Throughout history, older individuals have tended to look disparagingly upon younger generations, and vice versa. Paul acknowledged this unfortunate reality and therefore encouragedHe advised his younger protégé, Timothy, with these words: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity” «Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. », (1 Timothy 4:12). Jeremiah doubted his ability to serve God because of his youth, and yet the Lord encouraged him: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you” «But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. », (Jeremiah 1:7). Instead of offering criticism to those of younger generations, it is better to be a mentor and encourager to the young.
Finally, millennials of today are often accused of being more immoral than previous generations. While it’s true that millennials are more likely to express approval of cohabitation and same-sex relationships, there are studies indicating that millennials practice abstinence more than the two previous generations did. It should also be acknowledged that, although immorality is more visible today, it does not mean that sexual sins were not happening in previous generations. Young adults throughout history have faced the temptations of “youthful lust” «Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. », (2 Timothy 2:22). As Solomon states, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” «The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and tThat which is done is that which shall be done, and there is no new thing under the sun.” «Ecclesiastes 1:9», (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Although millennials may have some differences in the way they carry out their work and engage socially, these differences are purely external. Regarding internal spiritual matters, there are no true differences. All humans, regardless of their age, have the same basic problem of being sinners. Paul states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23, emphasis added). It is clear in Scripture that all of mankind is in bondage to sin and death and that the only way to be saved from sin is to trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4;Ephesians 2:8-9;Romans 6:23). Instead of criticizing millennials, the church should seek to evangelize, mentor, and encourage them in the faith.
