Senior Living - December 4, 2014

How you can impact the next generation

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. - Psalm 71:18

In a recent survey, the Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics reported that 61 percent of the high school students and 32 percent of the college students polled admitted to having cheated on an exam during the past year.

In the same survey, 33 percent of high school and 16 percent of college students said they'd stolen something in the last year. And, 16 percent of high school and 32 percent of college students said they’d lied on a resumé or job application.

Lying, cheating, and stealing are becoming an acceptable norm among many of the next generation. And while it’s easy to look at young people and shake our heads at their lack of integrity, it’s important to remember that they have received much of their guidance from members of the older generation—who have often placed so much emphasis on helping themselves that they haven’t invested much time in those who will follow.

The good news is that it’s never too late to make a difference in the lives of younger people. So help the next generation learn from your life experience by mentoring a younger person. You’ll learn from them as well, and find you have much more in common than you might think!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would help you find a younger person to mentor so you can impart wisdom to the next generation.

Questions for Thought

Did you have a mentor growing up? If so, how did it help? If not, how might a mentor have helped you in life?

Who is a younger person in your life today with whom you could spend more time imparting wisdom?

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