What are we doing wrong that young people don’t even want to live?

on Oct 31, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I watched a documentary online about generations from A to Z, literally! Generation Z and now the newest generation called Alpha! The testimonials painted a dark picture of young people having no purpose in life. It made me ask, what are we doing wrong that young people don’t even want to live? – A.Y.

A: There’s an epidemic called “adulation of youth.” In an effort to reach young people who are crying out in desperation for truth, too many parents and teachers are trying to reach them by imitating them. What they need is to hear the Word of the Lord. Young people are crying out in desperation, searching for the real meaning of life. We must reach out to them with God’s truth, not what the world offers.

We must ask ourselves: What are we living for? Pleasure? Money? Happiness? Security? Success? None of these things will ever bring complete fulfillment. We were made for a relationship with God, and this is found through belonging to Jesus Christ. When we center life on ourselves, we become absorbed in our own needs, wants, and desires. Many don’t even realize this has happened. Turning to Christ and serving Him will bring purpose and joy. Asking Christ into our lives is the greatest decision of a lifetime that brings eternal hope for life after our earthly journey. Jesus wants to be our counselor and our guide. And most of all, He wants to be our Savior.

One of the saddest things is to watch someone come to the end of life, never having realized the purpose of life. We are not here by chance; God puts us here for a purpose, and the most important thing we can do is discover that purpose and commit ourselves to it. The Bible says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

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,i>(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)