I really don't like to categorize people. I firmly believe that, and arguably so, the strength of the collective is derived directly from the differences of its individuals.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit. Into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NIV)

Having said that, I asked a question in the title of this article because, in these strange times that we are living in, the term—millennial—conjures images for most of us that will help define what it is that I'll be talking about.

Let's explore those images.

I myself have a millennial. That is to say that I have a twenty-one-year-old son. Now, as I mentioned above, I don't want to give anyone the impression that I think that all the people of that generation are the same. Far from it. However, it seems to me, from conversations that I've had with other millennial parents, stories on the internet, the nightly news and other media platforms both social and otherwise, that there is a large percentage, whether the majority or not I cannot be sure, of these kids who are, for lack of a better term—or more relatable term for us fogies—couch potatoes. Inside my mind, I imagine (some of) these twenty-somethings sitting in their parent's basement talking (texting … whatever) on their device of choice, probably about how they are going to make the world that their parents screwed-up so completely, a better place. I really believe that they sit around complaining, believing … and fully intending by-the-way … that they will, along with their fellows, change the world. Through their (and only their) efforts, they will make the Earth that utopian socialist society that has been imagined in the works of Roddenberry, Hubbard and Orwell.

Wait …

Here's the problem with this scenario. That percentage of this particular generation (my own son included), by and large, aren't employed, have been given everything on a silver platter by their so called “helicopter” (grand)parents, and have been led to believe that they are all winners, that they are incapable of losing and that they are, collectively “special”.

So, what's wrong with being “special”?

Nothing. After all, Christians are special. We have, through our faith in Jesus Christ, been given the gift of eternal life (on a spiritual silver platter, too!). What's wrong with believing that you can change the world? What's wrong with (grand)parents wanting their kids to have the best of what's available? What's wrong with only searching for a job in which you can “make a difference?”

Again … nothing. The problem lies in what you are, personally, willing to do for what you've been given.

It's been my experience that, when you give a twelve-year-old a thousand-dollar phone … and (after they break it … because they're a twelve-year-old) another one the next year … and the next … and so on; when you give them every gaming system known to mankind and all the games that they can bake their noodles with, not to mention all the accessories and paraphernalia that come with them (sold separately); when you give a teenager a $umpteen,000+ vehicle for them to drive to the game store in; when you allow them to have access to … heck … whatever they want, really, without restriction … and then you allow … no not allow … you make them believe that, somehow, they deserve all of this crap simply because they are … well, it just doesn't inspire them to believe in the “know the value of a dollar” concept. What have they done, other than grace you with their presence, to deserve all this?

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he will not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV)

Okay, I know that you have to be asking yourself; What does the so-called a-typical millennial have to do with being a Christian?

I'm so glad that you asked!

Remember when I said that, if you're a Christian, you've been given the gift of eternal life? If you need to skim through the first part of this article to refresh your memory, go ahead … I'll wait.

Okay, so you've been gifted by God to spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Why do you deserve that? Because Jesus died on the cross? Absolutely! Without that, we have nothing! Do you say grace in obedience before you eat? Of course, just as you should! Do you post Bible verses on your Facebook page? Well, that's what I call getting' the Word out there!

But now, here's a better question; What are you gonna do about it? Tithe? That's great man! Go to church on Sunday? Super-duper! Attend Sunday School? Outstanding! Bible study on Wednesday? Tremendous! But, do you do what you say you're gonna do when you're among fellow Christians? You know … stuff like; praying with strangers; praying for strangers; volunteering at church/soup kitchens or food pantries. What about when you say, “The men's ministry is helping someone move on Saturday. Maybe I should make some time and help them.” How about, “Hey, has anybody seen John lately? He hasn't been here in a while.” Or, “Sue used to come all the time. Someone really needs to give her a call”.

Or should it be; “Maybe I need to give John/Sue a call”?

What I'm asking is … what is your salvation worth to you? How do you show your gratitude to The Lord our God for what He endured on the cross to ensure us a place in Heaven? For me personally, the answer is simple:

Not enough.

Today is the day. Now is the time. The battle is on!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

G. J. Fortier is a member of Ironmen Ministries and First Baptist Church, Centerville, GA. Look for his novels on Amazon on Kindle and paperback. Or visit his website at www.GerardFortier.com