Written by Janna Shick
Over the recent decades the level of excellence that our country has been known for has slowly downgraded to the comfort of mediocrity. Rather than meeting expectations and following guidelines, a lazy haphazard mindset has taken precedence. Underperformance on an early morning is now commonly blamed on lack of caffeine. Excuses are used as an easy way out of all sorts of situations. Many people have the attitude “I’m doing the best I can” when in reality very little effort is exerted.
The term #adulting effectively describes so many in our society. This coined expression became popular on social media in the second half of the 2010s which basically permitted the snowflake generation to underperform in life. Ordinary tasks are now applauded, frequent vacations are in high demand and stress is something that makes life absolutely unbearable.
Although technology has advanced, the level of endurance has drastically decreased. This cycle of weakness continues to the next generation when children, who are raised by these weak parents, rarely experience difficulty or are told “no.” This produces young adults who cannot handle reality.
We’ve heard countless stories in our school days of the unbreakable pioneer spirit, brave men and women who were determined to create a better life for themselves. They were willing to sever ties with family, give up stable livelihoods and leave non-essential items behind to travel for months in covered wagons to the West. Dangers aside, they were bound to reach the vast open prairie to settle a homestead or seek their fortune by panning for gold. Their goal was to seek a better life although peril was inevitable.
If a similar opportunity would be presented today would our generation be determined to delve into uncharted territory? Would fortitude rule or would excuses be given and the goal never fully accomplished? Oftentimes, we view ourselves as confident and strong but how does your real self respond to difficulties? The true index of strength is not when life is going well but when it is turned upside down. “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10) The Christian experience is not meant to be stagnant, but ever growing in grace and knowledge.
At the Church of God at Connoquenessing, our faithful pastor regularly challenges our congregation to enter into worship with joy and praise, not to just “check the box” of attending service. We are encouraged to fulfill the Great Commission through inviting others and to step outside of our comfort zones to work for the Lord.
We cannot afford to take the easy roads of convenience and complacency, carrying the title #adultingChristian. We must be a strong soldier in the army of the Lord prepared and ready to conquer new ground.
