​Who's the entitlement generation? (Look in the mirror before answering)

Scripture:
 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did." 
John 8:39

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."
Colossians 3:21

Application:
Maybe because it's graduation season, but many of us find ourselves speaking with young people a lot more. This includes Millennials and Gen Z.
Don't waste the opportunity.
In part, because we should be deeply, deeply empathetic and concerned about their individual and collective mental health during the pandemic and hard economic times. We may assume that with internet connectivity, they're not suffering isolation. But so many are, and they don't have the answers. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions about their mental stability. 

And be prepared to hear that not everything's alright.

We of older generations wrongly accused these teenagers and young adults of being the "generation of entitlement."  This is because we believe they have it easier because of all that we've given them materially.

But we're the ones with the attitude of entitlement. 

We didn't spend much time with younger people. We plied them with "stuff," but not our time, ears, and hearts. We felt like we worked hard and should be appreciated for what we've done. Maybe so, but that's not the way we show love. We have to avoid the "sons (and daughters) of Abraham" attitude that's inside us. We have to ask, listen, think, advise, encourage, and follow up. 

In that order.

Prayer:
Father God, we pray for those who are younger than us, both chronologically and developmentally, and we offer ourselves to be guided by Your Holy Spirit to minister to their needs. Amen.