The situation with the youth of today seems rather bleak. Even when some kids have wonderful parents and are in church and a youth group that does not mean they will take thr way of the LORD.
Part of the problem is adulthood keeps being extended beyond what our minds and bodies were intended for. Take 200 years ago, it was not uncommon for a man of 16 being married to a woman of 14. Few had more than a fourth grade education, but they worked together on a farm raised children, and lived near the rest of the family. Sexual urges were under control with marriage ate a much earler age. A boy turned into a working man at an age of about 15. With younger ages starting life so death for many came much younger also.
Girls became wives younger, and turned into women and mothers much younger compared to yound ladies of today. Responsibilities for these teenagers made them assume the duties of men and women. Now both girls and boys extend the ages to assume adult responsibilities as late as they can. It is not unheard of for these children who are adults, to still live with mon and dad into their late twenties. Some don't even have a job and depend on the parents for all their needs. They are often given cars and spending money, just as if they were still in their early teenage years.
With electronic games to occupy their time, and their ability to legally drink they run free to do what ever pleases them. Recreational sex is available and hooking up is considered as normal, there is no wonder moral purity is a rare thing of the past. Even in churches there is little shame of living together.
Our culture is in transition and things like shame, purity, and saving ones self are almost ideals of the past. So, is it any wonder those from 11 to 16 are wayward and have no direction, and God is like a story from childhood. We christians have a lot to pray about, care about, and look for teachable youngsters and teach the Gospel.
