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I was just thinking about what it's like to be young and Christian in America right now. Doesn't it seem like God is moving in a special way among us? We're finding our voice at just the right time. We do not have to choose between fervent piety and social change, as our parents and grandparents thought. We cannot be silent, and we will not be silenced by anyone or anything. No more waiting for Jesus to rapture us from a hopeless and 'evil' physical world. No more forsaking the truth while presuming to heal the world with our own wisdom and efforts. And we need (and have) our anthems ringing loud and clear to the world lost and hurting. Switchfoot said:

We want more than this world's got to offer
We want more than this world's got to offer
We want more than the wars of our fathers...


And those wars are from within, and without. But God has won the victory in Christ, and it is no less true than in the past. In spite of all the evil we see, we have not lost hope. I heard another song not long ago that went in part:

O simple faith, where have you gone?
I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on...

But we found out that it wasn't just a hunger for simple meaning. We did more than find our way, we found the Way. We know now we're in a fight--with ourselves, with Satan, with the powers and principalities of this world. But Jesus has won that, too. And an old song reminds us again:

For not with swords loud clashing
Nor roll of stirring drums
But deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly Kingdom comes.

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