One of the marks of the younger generation is the fact that they want to make a difference in their world. I suppose this is true because they watched the generations before them live in greedy materialism and end up unhappy, divorced and suicidal. As a result, many young people really want to have an impact in the world. It sends them to a food pantry, doing fundraising for organizations and all kids of community service. Honestly, I could not be more proud to say that many of these people are in the Church I lead. Through the last 10 years some amazing things have been done for others by people I know and serve. The difference they are making is truly remarkable. Today I want to praise all those who give, serve and love others.

Unfortunately I do want to say one word of caution to go along with that praise. I hope the next generation of Christians understand that we are to do good “in the name of the Lord.” I think this is enormous issue that needs to be talked about by the Church. I think it is possible to give and serve others and do it for completely selfish reasons. I often see it done because we want to feel good about ourselves. People feel guilty about their affluence and they want to balance the scales by giving to others. They give so that they can be a good person.

A Christian is the exact opposite. They recognize that we are not good people, BUT are forgiven by Jesus Christ through his work on the cross. Nothing more, nothing less. Then in turn we go to serve others in the name of the Lord who forgave us. Each one of us is a wretch who was served by Jesus through his death on the cross when we did not deserve it. Then we go out and act like he did by serving selflessly. We serve not to get right but because Jesus made us right. That is a huge difference.