It’s estimated that people start saying “When I was your age…” in their late 20s or early 30s. Of course, that’s not exact, but it begins when they’re old enough to notice a technological or cultural shift. “The Greatest Generation,” those who survived World War II and the Great Depression, said, “When I was your age, we had to ration sugar and shoes.” Their children, Baby Boomers, told their kids, “When I was your age, we didn’t have screens. We just played outside.” Gen Xers told Millennials, “When I was your age, we didn’t have the internet. We had to use encyclopedias or go to the library.” Now even Millennials have something to say to Gen Z. “When I was your age, we didn’t have smartphones. We had to use the family computer and paper maps.”
There is nothing new under the sun. Dating back to the 4th century B.C., the philosopher Plato expressed concern about the next generation’s reliance on writing. He worried that it would give young people the “semblance of wisdom” without true knowledge, since they wouldn’t have to memorize the material. (Ironically, we only know about Plato’s complaint because he wrote it down.)
All the “when I was your age” objections share a common thread: the younger generation has it easier than the previous one. Many of the claims are true, and most of the advancements are not inherently bad. The fact that someone can access a book from their couch instead of walking 20 miles to retrieve it, as Abraham Lincoln did, is definitely an improvement. However, life being “easier” in many respects does not relieve Christians of the obligation to avoid the temptation of easy living.
The author of Hebrews describes the opposite of easy living. He begins by reassuring readers that their work for the kingdom, especially their efforts on behalf of the saints, does not go unnoticed by God. He then encourages them to keep it up! He wants you to “show the same earnestness…until the end.” Not only should you avoid quitting, but you should also avoid growing sluggish. Maintain your pace with faith and patience until the day you pass into glory. An inheritance awaits those who don’t hold still!
Instead of criticizing the lives of those younger than you, evaluate your own. Are you diligent in the circumstances you’ve been given, or are you coasting? Are you quicker to condemn those who can work from home than to pursue more kingdom work for yourself? The work God requires does not change across generations or cultures.
If you have the “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” this is the recipe for applying it. Do you want to use that knowledge effectively and fruitfully? Then this is your job. Yes, it is work. That knowledge must be exercised and increased.
At your job, you could be the first to arrive and the last to leave and still be a Christian sluggard. Conversely, you could face significant limitations yet remain highly productive for the kingdom. The effort you're putting in for God does not go unnoticed. Don’t stop! Don’t even slow down. Exercise your faith to the very end.