What's Tempting You?

The Barna Group, a nationally recognized Christian polling organization, just released a study on sin in America.  The study identifies various temptations and tracks them according to age groups and sexual orientations.  Two new temptations were identified in the study.  You can probably guess them: Spending too much time on media (44%) and going off on someone via texting or e-mail (11%)  According to the study, there are two temptations that are somewhat unique to our western culture.  We procrastinate and worry to much, both identified as an issue for 60% of the population. 

Probably the most revealing aspect of the study was the difference between young people and older adults when it comes to temptation.  Across the board millennials, those born between 1984 and 2002, are tempted to a much high degree.  You are probably thinking, that makes sense.  After all, young people would seem to be more susceptible to sexual temptation and over indulgence.  What is surprising is they procrastinate more, 66% compared to 48% of older adults, and worry to great extent, 62% versus 48% for older adults.  They also tend to fall to the temptation of overspending to a greater degree, 41% as opposed to 21% of older adults.  Across the board, in almost very category the degree to which we are tempted declines with age.  The lone exception is overeating, something older adults tend to do more.

As a Christian, there were a number of things I found personally disturbing.  Why do I worry so much?  As a Christian I know I have a God who has taken care of my greatest need, my eternal future is secure.  Still I fret and worry.  When it comes to procrastinating: I know it's a matter of stewardship of time. 

As an older adults we need to be models of faith and contentment.  The way we approach a crisis is probably the strongest testimony we can give the younger generation.  If we are people of hope, others will see that.  When we convey that to young people we are serving as role models, encouraging them to be people of faith and hope as well.  That should especially be the case within our families where unconditional love, faith and hope should be the guiding principles.