Finding the Lost Generation
The term "Lost Generation" has been used to describe a few generations throughout the past century - most notably the Japanese youth living through that country's recession in the 90s. Recently, economists have been labeling the current American youth as the new "Lost Generation" due to the consistently high unemployment rate among those between 15 and 24 years of age.
However, this is not just an American phenomenon but rather a global crisis. Consider these statistics from the World Economic Forum:
- Youth make up 17% of the world's population. There are 1.2 billion youth in the world aged between 15 and 24. 87% of youth live in developing countries.
- Youth make up 40% of the world's unemployed. Global Youth Unemployment Rate is at 12.6%
- In 2011, a youth's risk of being unemployed was 3x higher than that of an adult.
- Close to 75 million youth worldwide were unemployed in 2012. The Middle East and North Africa has the highest youth unemployment rate, with about one youth in four without a job.
If this generation is truly lost, as leaders we have a responsibility to find them. In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus explains the joy of finding one lost sheep out of a hundred. Imagine then the celebration of finding an entire lost generation!
Long-term unemployment, especially starting at a young age, is like building a house on sand. The foundation will likely give way to problems far worse than unemployment. It can be a breeding ground for sin. It's no coincidence that the same region with the highest youth unemployment rate is also the most volatile. Consider the leadership opportunities that are available in the Middle East and North Africa, not to mention a wonderful opportunity to spread the Good News since our servant leadership model is founded on Christ.
So, how do we as leaders "find" this lost generation? There is a global youth unemployment challenge that we as leaders must address.
First, what does God say about work? In Genesis, we learn that, when matched with our unique purpose, work will result in fulfillment and a higher quality of life. Before the fall of man, work was designed by God to be useful and fulfilling (Genesis 2). Both Adam and Eve had work assigned to their unique purposes. But after the fall, work became what we know it to be today - difficult, frustrating and cumbersome (Genesis 3).
We know work is important and ordained by God. We also know that, because of man's sin, work will involve difficulties and problems. How then should leaders help a generation of unemployed youth?
We need to show our youth the benefits of work. For those leading young men, the Book of Daniel provides an example of an excellent male worker and, for those leading young women, Proverbs 31: 10 - 31 provides an example of an excellent female worker. Daniel was a man of integrity and competence and his earthly reward was a promotion, protection, and prosperity (Daniel 6: 3, 23, 28). Proverbs describes a good female worker as "discerning and eager, hard-working, savvy, wise and kind." By being faithful to her work the woman in Proverbs 31 is able to meet her needs, the needs of her family, the needs of others, gives her dignity, and gives her freedom from fear and confidence to face the future.
That is exactly the message our unemployed youth need to hear from their leaders. Jesus taught us that leaders aren't measured by their own achievements but by the effectiveness of their successors. Part of being a good leader is mentoring those who follow you so that they too might become leaders once you're gone. That is what Jesus did with His disciples and that is what we should do with our unemployed youth. Leaders in every facet of life should seek out young adults looking for work and provide them with apprenticeship opportunities while acting as life mentors. This would help cultivate future servant leaders dedicated to sharing the fruits of the Spirit with generations to come.