By 
When we think of kids, we think of the unruly ones, the happy-go-lucky ones, the carefree, the young, the immature, the wild, the dreamers, and other similar descriptions.
We tend to ignore their voice and opinion, disregard their presence, and shut down their ideas because they are just that — kids.
A lot of these kids who grew up rejected and suppressed make up the overwhelming mental health counseling statistics — depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicide rates. If we really want to secure the future of the world, we need to prevent children from becoming just numbers added to those statistics. We have to intentionally reach out to them and help raise them to fulfill their God-given potentials and purposes.
Why are young people so important?
- They are teachable.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Generally, that’s true. Youth brings about a certain level of curiosity that makes them want to try more things. They are open to a lot of different ideas and ideals.
They are quick to pick up concepts and are more tech-savvy than the previous generation. They are hungry for knowledge and devour any information thrown their way — even the bad ones.
We need to help them filter the things they are processing. Help them discern the good from the bad. Guide them and teach them morals and values, what’s important and what’s not.
- They are creative.
A young person’s innocence brings a certain level of creativity and ingenuity.
Remember how we used to play when we were kids? Cardboard boxes, bubble wraps, wooden planks, toys, and a lot of other stuff lying around the house became dollhouses, weapons, vehicles, and more.
It is this kind of pure imagination, one with no sense of logic or boundaries, that creates wonderful images and visions in their minds.
We need visionaries in this world. We need people who can dream up great things to help improve lives and make the world a better place.
- They are the entry points to their families.
When we talk about kids, we do not take out their families from the equation. These young people are the doorways to their families. After all, those who know them better are than the ones they are living with.
If we can make a positive impact in the lives of young people, it’s only a matter of time that they can influence their families as well.
There have been countless stories coming from all over the world of families coming together and being restored because of the positive impact and influence of one young person whose behavior and attitude about life have changed.
Rebuilding and restoring the families as the basic units of society, no matter how dysfunctional society is at present, may seem like a lofty goal but is humanly possible.
- They are the future leaders of the world.
If we want to leave a lasting legacy in this world, the only way to do it is to secure the future of generations to come. In 10 to 15 years, these kids will be the ones running society — visionaries, builders, planners, movers, shakers.
Their culture will be the world’s culture 10 to 15 years from now. If we can positively influence them and walk with them every step of the way, they can start building a better and stronger world as early as now.
If these young kids are the future of our world, we need to help raise them up with good morals and godly values. If we want to turn things around in this world, we need to reach out to young people and train them in the way they should go so that when they do grow up, they will never depart from your teaching.
If we want to see transformation take place, we need to positively influence them. There is just no other way of creating a better future than helping our children become the better future.
