A recent study found that half of young people have so many ’emotional problems’ they cannot focus at school. Today with all the digital distractions, that’s understandable in the eyes of medical researchers and not surprising in the eyes of parents. But, this and many other problems are preventable and problematic of a larger issue; a focus on the wrong things.
The trouble doesn’t end there, “This report paints a deeply concerning picture of a generation who feel their ability to shape their own future is slipping away from them.” Two connected problems.
“It’s shocking how many feel so desperate about their situation and it is vital that we support them to develop the confidence and coping skills they need to succeed in life. The rise of living costs is also a major issue for young people, with 37 per cent of those who felt their lives were out of their control worried their living costs are going up faster than their wages and salary.
Of those surveyed, 42 per cent said traditional goals such as buying a house or getting a steady job were unrealistic and 34 per cent said they thought they will have a worse standard of living than their parents did.
Almost a fifth said they “don’t believe they can change their circumstances if they want to” and 16 per cent said they “think their life will amount to nothing, no matter how hard they try.”
The gospel is not only good news, but it is the solution. If any response but righteousness is risky, then any concentration but on Christ is chaotic.
It’s been promised and verified, “a study of the gospel will change behavior faster than a study of behavior will change behavior.” The gospel in an amazing system of self-help we all have control over implementing and enjoying in our lives. The fruits will begin to manifest themselves as you start with desire and cultivate with faith and persist in patience.
It’s most often imperceptible, but a concentration on Christ in our lives through reading, studying, praying, pondering, meditating, and striving to live a worthy life produces greater clarity and concentration in all other areas of life.
By focusing on our maker (God), he influences our decision making (agency or conscience) to help us see clearly, choose wisely, and excel in things both temporal and spiritual. Focus on the Creator, not man-made creations.
I challenge you to choose a specific time each day to concentrate on the words of Christ (ancient and modern) and you will see the fruit begin to grow, which will be most previous and delicious in your life.
Continue reading below if you want to learn more of the philosophies of men mingled with distractions that creates the problems of men 🙂
Prof Louise Arseneault, ESRC mental health leadership fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, said: “Given the profound uncertainty surrounding recent political events and the fact that young people face the worst job prospects in decades, it’s not surprising to read that one in four young people aged 16 to 25 don’t feel in control of their lives.
“Although it’s obviously alarming that these concerns play on young minds, it’s encouraging to see that young people have an interest in actively shaping their own future.”
Of those who do not feel they are in control of their lives, 61 per cent said they felt this was because they lack self-confidence, and that this holds them back.
A range of factors that may contribute to young people not feeling in control of their lives have been highlighted by the Index.
One in 10 young people said they did not know anyone who “really cares” about them, 45 per cent felt stressed about body image and 37 per cent said they felt stressed about coping with work or school, the report found.
And the suggested approach to the problem, “the single most important thing we can do to empower these young people is to help them into a job, an education course or onto a training program.”
The Youth Index showed that many feel confused, and 44 per cent of those surveyed claimed they don’t know what to believe because they read conflicting things in the media about the economy. Continue reading more from the report here.
