It’s good to be proactive in seeking opportunities to intentionally interact with those younger in age or in faith, and the best way to love others is simply to live out the great commandment before them. When you love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul, and mind, it gets the attention of those around you. Even better, if you take your love for Him and transfer it to others without showing favor or partiality, your life speaks so loudly that people actually want to listen. 

The youth of today is looking for authenticity above all else. A recent study of millennials (who comprise nearly a quarter of the U.S. population) found that traditional advertising techniques don’t work at all when it comes to getting the attention of this socially-conscious generation. To them, bigger doesn’t mean better and the millions of dollars spent on marketing has no noticeable impact. When it comes to brands, they are looking for products and services that are represented with transparency and genuineness. If that’s true of what they are looking for in products, how much more must they want it in people? 

Friend, reaching the next generation doesn’t demand that you become cool or hip, it requires that you live your life with authenticity. Instead of talking all day long about your walk with God, posting about it on social media, or putting it on a bumper sticker, simply walk it out before them. Focus on becoming a genuine Jesus-follower, imitate Him in attitude and action, and I am confident they will take heed. The world is full of empty words and ineffective counterfeits, but when you live with authenticity of faith, your life will speak loudly and clearly to everyone watching, and you will be noticed by young and old alike!