As an “old timer,” I was moved by an article in Public Discourse written by Matthew Malec, who is of Gen. Z.   He wants the older generation to know, “Many in Gen Z don’t know what it means to win in life.  As a result  many just want to survive or escape.”  He goes on to say, “Gen Z is crying out for help in a world where traditional structures are crumbling and nothing has filled the void.  Gen Z is anxious, uncertain, and looking for something to cling to.  Show us happy marriages, rooted friendships, and the way, truth and life (John 14:6).  We were made for higher things. Show us it’s still possible to reach for them.”  

Wow!  This is coming from a young man, who is in the process of becoming a lawyer.  “We are not lazy or intentionally aimless.” He is crying out for direction. “We need to know what it means to win at life and to be supported by communities that give us a meaningful chance to do so.  This requires understanding the unique challenges we face and responding with novel solutions.” 

Malec observes “young people face collapse in three areas that older generations often take for granted.”  If older mentors are to be of help, “they must understand how the world has changed and why traditional advice often falls short.”  He acknowledges that Gen Z is responsible for its choices,  but, “many of the tools and signposts that guided earlier generations are now missing.”  Older guides are needed to point the way. 

His advice is clear. “Place an intense focus on cultivating real-world community and spaces for social interaction, don’t be afraid to try to pair people up, and most importantly, be bold in faith and show people how amazing God is, both through your words and through the life that you live in an attempt to reflect his glory.” He suggests three areas of focus: 1) shared metaphysical traditions, 2) real-world friendships and 3) family life as a normative good.

How can I point the way in the modern wilderness, taking into account the radical cultural change?

First, the spiritual component.  “Many search for meaning through an obsession with left-wing politics or embracing the ‘manosphere.’  Others simply opt out of society entirely, feeling like utter failures with no chance to turn things around.”  As a senior, who has found my affirmation as a man in Christ, I need to point other males of the Gen Z generation to the Lordship of Jesus.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

Secondly, friendships. Malec observes, “how starved my generation is of real community.”  His advice, “have patience with young people who are trying to put themselves out there and give them opportunities for real-world socialization.” I need to intentionally cultivate relationship with young men,  inviting them into the fellowship of their elders.  Above all, I need to be welcoming and accepting of those in Gen Z.

Thirdly, Malec believes, “Gen Z is struggling mightily as it relates to dating, marriage, and the family.  Here, the lack of traditional guardrails and the cesspool that is the modern internet work together to make family formation harder that ever.”  Those in Gen Z needs to experience traditional morality expressed in a healthy marriage and family life.  Above all, I need to see my marriage, which is a work in progress, as an example of what God has intended for men.  I need to remember, the witness of Judy and I together speaks almost prophetically in today’s confused social landscape.

“Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord” (Ps 102:18)