Colossians 3:3 “You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

What is a “Millennial”? The Pew Research Center defines them as 18-35 years old. They are a force to reckon with for the 2020 election, as Millennial voters now outnumber Baby Boomers (age 52-70). But how are Millennials perceived in American culture? Forbes writer Chris Myers, himself a Millennial, described his generation this way: “In a study by Red Brick Research, over 80% of hiring managers say Millennial employees display narcissistic tendencies… only 27% of managers believe their young employees are team players. But how managers view them is in stark contrast to how Millennials view themselves. 

Over 66% of Millennials see themselves in a management role in 5 years, while 58% said they intend to stay in their current role for less than 3 years. 52% of Millennials view employee loyalty as overrated. 

On the positive side, hiring managers say Millennials are more creative, entrepreneurial, and open to change than older workers. My question was if the benefits outweigh the challenges with managing them.” His summary: Millennials are self-centered, disloyal and expect more than they are willing to give.

Now, what is “Paradigm”? On their website, Abundant Life Church in Lee’s Summit explains: “Paradigm is our name for our weekly gathering of KC’s college and 20-30 somethings who have a desire to see Jesus made known throughout the city.” Each week, 300-500 Millennials gather to worship Jesus Christ and love each other, putting others’ interests above their own. These young adults have a singular focus – Jesus Christ. And Patty Pampolina’s testimony is a shining example of why they are transforming the KC culture.

“I grew up as a Catholic, following all the rituals that developed a works-based faith. During high school, my dad stopped attending church, and the conflict in my parents’ marriage took a toll on me. Growing up in an Asian culture, I valued excellence and honor, not mental health. I was depressed, frustrated and broken.

In college I tried to be a good Catholic to win God’s favor, but I knew I didn’t have a real relationship with God. I took the risk of seeking a faith outside of my culture. I found a church that introduced me to Jesus. I surrendered the brokenness I’d experienced from my family, but there were other aspects of my life I had yet to surrender. Although I declared my faith as my own, it took a while for me to surrender to Jesus as Lord of my life. My rebel heart did not want to submit to my idols of approval, success, safety and comfort.

Although it came to me gradually, I gained gospel clarity when I sought out God’s word. Romans 3:23 mentions how we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But the good news is found in Romans 6:23 which is that God gives us the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I continue to follow Christ, His truth reminds me that His grace abounds even when I fall short in being faithful. I battle with self-reliance and fear, but my God can relate to me because He experienced life in the human flesh. As Hebrews 4:15-16 says, ‘We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.’ What other gods allow themselves to be so close to us – to experience what we experience – and to defeat sin and call it our victory? None. Only Jesus.

My theme verse is Colossians 3:1-4: ‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.’ It reminds me of what it means to be alive in Christ.

Paul emphasizes that being alive in Christ is only achieved when I am rooted in Christ. To set my heart and mind on the things above is to focus my affections on things of eternal value. Receiving Christ as my Lord and Savior means I’ve chosen to die to my old ways, finding a new life as I grow in my relationship with Christ. It is by living out these verses that I find a joyful and meaningful life. This is God’s intention for those who faithfully follow Him.” Sounds like these Millennials have more like a servant’s heart than a self-centered one. As Patty says, “I am a captive set free, I am His beloved, I am a daughter of the King.” If you are a Millennial looking to find true, deep meaning and purpose in life, come visit Paradigm at Abundant Life Church every Tuesday at 7:00pm. Patty, and many others, would love to meet you!

The Evidence of Faith’s Substance – Article #413