ODJ: Breaking the Mold

December 1, 2016 

READ: Psalm 78:1-8 

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands (v.7).

According to the experts, I’m part of the demographic known as Generation X. Maybe you are too. Born between 1965 and 1980, we’ve been described as being cynical about life, fearful of commitment, and spiritually lost. Ouch!

Some of these characteristics are echoed in The Verve’s classic Gen-X song “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” It begins by stating that life is bitter; no matter how hard you work, money is your slave until death. Here’s Generation X’s cynicism showing: Life could be beautiful, but we’re trapped in a profit-driven world. Another line in the song states how people live out ever-changing versions of themselves. Unsure of who we are and what we’re here for, Generation X feels pulled in all directions. Things get hopeful when the musician states that he can change. But no—the next line laments that he can’t change his mold.

Scripture calls each generation to “tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 78:4). As the reality of God is passed from parent to child to grandchild (v.6), each generation can find personal faith and avoid the pitfalls of faithlessness (vv.7-8). As a generation raised without a clear focus on God, perhaps Generation X shows what happens when this process breaks down.

But there’s hope. The author of “Bitter Sweet Symphony” continues by saying he never prays, but that in this moment he’s on his knees. Longing for identity, we can become children of God (1 John 3:1). Longing for purpose, we can impact the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Longing for hope, Generation X—and all of us—can find it by calling out to God.

That’s my story. Once spiritually lost, I can say from experience the lost can be found and the mold can be changed in Jesus.

—Sheridan Voysey

365-day plan: Ephesians 4:1-16