Protecting Youthful Optimism
From the title of this article, it might be surprising that I do not necessarily view optimism as a positive characteristic. Dictionary.com defines optimism in this way: “A disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.” Realistically, some events or conditions do not work out to the most favorable outcome and to expect otherwise can interfere with the appropriate way of dealing with situations. With that said, I am a strong supporter of joy, which the Bible wholeheartedly endorses as a redeeming quality that faces any situation with a trust in God. This is illustrated in the apostle Paul’s hope for the Roman Christians: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). Still, there is something about youthful optimism. As a young person looks upon his or her life to come, there is a feeling of invincibility; there is the belief that everything is going to work out for the best. While life events will alter this attitude, the feeling of optimism will typically catapult a young life in a high-energy desire to conquer the world. Every church is blessed when they have young members who have displayed such an attitude in their work for the Lord.
If not careful, older Christians can inadvertently douse this spirit. This became clear to me in a recent conversation where I expressed the desire to protect youthful optimism, only to have the other conversant rather sarcastically retort, “What is youthful optimism?” It became clear that the years had made him forget what it felt like to be young. This conversation also brought to mind the struggle that preachers and teachers have, as well as anyone who works closely with youth: How do you prepare a young soul for the future without making the future sound hopeless?
The Bible makes no secret about the darkness that surrounds us. To this end, the apostle Paul warned Timothy by writing, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (I Timothy 4:1-3). These “later times” have now lasted over 2,000 years and these years have seen his warnings come to fruition. Young Christians need to be prepared. To leave the home of parents with spiritual naivety is a recipe for disaster. Overly sheltered children can very easily become young adults ripe for the devil’s picking. Preparing young minds to stand firm in the face of adversity and wickedness is a great gift godly parents and churches impart to the accepting young soul.
Still, the same apostle who warned about the darkness of the later times also wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). An apostle who had once walked in darkness and had been on the receiving end of those still living in darkness did not allow his joy to be taken away. He knew that the God who redeemed him had the power to save him. So should we! To allow the darkness to take away the joy of being in God’s family is to give Satan what he wants: doubt that God really cares.
Therefore, parents need to be careful. Constant talk of politics and the “wrong direction” the country is heading has its impact. Negative comments about leadership, fixation on partisan “news,” and a steady drumbeat of negativity toward ‘the other side of the aisle’ can harden a young mind early in life. God’s desire to love one’s neighbor as oneself is quickly replaced with suspicion of a neighbor.
As well, churches need to be careful. Youth is one of the greatest blessings a church enjoys. Young singles dedicated to the Lord, young couples building their lives together in the Lord, and young parents raising their children in the Lord add a spark of excitement to a work that energizes those who have passed that point in life. Public teaching should serve to encourage these young disciples. While this should not minimize teachings that warn about the encroaching darkness, it should also not dominate the pulpit. Public encouragement of perseverance and joy is an absolute necessity.
Finally, all older Christians need to be careful. It is easy to make offhanded statements such as, “I don’t know if I would bring children into this wicked world” which are not helpful. Discouraging young couples in their excitement to carry out the very first command of God to humanity (“be fruitful and multiply” – Genesis 1:28) is certainly unfavorable in His eyes. Other comments that paint a bleak view of the future are also unhelpful. Instead, these comments should be replaced with edification and encouragement to pursue godliness with vigor. The only way darkness is defeated is when the light shines. It is no surprise, then, that Jesus admonished, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Take time to encourage young lights. Faithful, older Christians are living proof that young Christians can maintain faith. Help younger people prepare for the future, but do not take away their youthful optimism. Guard your words and speak those things that edify. These young souls are precious to God; may our efforts seek to bolster their faith and confidence that God has the future firmly under control.
