The Offended Generation

Never ask my wife if she thinks you’re getting fat. If you are, you won’t like her answer. She is one of those brutally honest people who will tell you the truth without regard for how it lands.

I was within the general vicinity when one of her friends asked if she thought she was getting pudgy around the middle, to which she replied, “I don’t think you are, you are.”

Later on, after her friend left, I asked her about the exchange and whether she could have been more tactful, to which she replied, “why would I lie to someone I love?” Made sense at the time, and it still does to this day.

It used to be you could tell people the truth, and they would appreciate your candor. Even if the truth you shared didn’t land well, or make them feel good, they knew it wasn’t coming from a place of animosity, but rather a place of love, or concern, or just honesty. Those days are long gone, and what’s worse, this destructive mindset has weaseled its way into the household of faith.

Because the number of pastors, preachers, evangelists, and spiritual leaders would rather see people end up in hell than risk offending them in any way keeps multiplying, repentance, righteousness, and holiness unto God are no longer preached, focused upon, or taught.

This new trend is wreaking havoc and leaving countless souls with a false sense of security. Because no one loved them enough to speak truth to them, they cling to their sin; they cling to their vices, they cling to the things God himself finds abominable, all the while believing that it is well with their soul.

On the flip side, the number of those who approach God not from a place of humility and repentance, but one of entitlement and pride has skyrocketed to heretofore unseen levels as well. The question is no longer what must I do to be saved; it’s not even phrased as a question anymore. Rather, men today approach God with a laundry list of demands, exemptions, and cutouts, then command Him to assure them that they are saved.

If perchance one in ten does ask what they must do to be saved, the Biblical answer will likely be met with perplexed looks, quickly followed by accusations of legalism and works salvation.

When the sheep start leading the shepherd rather than the shepherd leading the sheep, disaster is certain, and the outcome is foreseeable. Watching these role reversals take place is sad, and what’s worse, as long as the so-called shepherds get their monthly stipend, they don’t much care. Less work for them translates to more time to enjoy the links.

Even if they tried, they would likely be met with resistance and a reprimand from the deacon board, the treasury board, or the board of overseers. Who wants to pack up and move their family to yet another town, to get to know yet another group of stiff-necked souls whose only desire is to revel in their sin while still being assured that heaven’s gates are flung wide open ready to receive them?

This is the offended generation, and they have Yelp. It takes thirty seconds to find a church that fits their predilections, and they can even leave you a bad review while walking to their car. Remember that the next time you try to challenge sin, or preach the Gospel. How dare you try to lead them to still waters or green pastures? Sugar water and cream puffs taste so much better! 

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.