The following was written by ELP intern Maggie Jernas.
Generation Z is ungrateful. My generation looks at the political world, sees the over-represented Boomers, apathetic Gen Xers, and participation trophy Millennials, and we want out. We have decided that this country is too far gone to redeem, and we lack hope for the future. We do not take the time to consider what has come before the current political landscape to understand why this country is still worth fighting for. The victim identity that has plagued our first-world country stems from a lack of gratitude and remembrance for the past. Those who choose to live in the identity of brokenness cannot escape it. Despite the thankless stereotype Generation Z is facing, we still have an opportunity to change it. Stepping into the Victor Circle starts with gratitude and ends with a better society.
David Kuhnert’s book, Servant Leadership, which is heavily integrated by Citizens for Self Governance, calls the victim identity the Victim Circle. He contrasts this with the Victor Circle, which belongs to the person who chooses that identity. Kuhnert says this comes from a shift in perspective. “Thankfulness doesn’t diminish the reality of pain, but it can create a pathway out of crippling darkness.” While life will never be perfect, it is our perspective that allows us to step into the Victor Circle. Gratitude changes everything.
I think of the lyrics to the hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. The end of verse one sings “…praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s redeeming love!”
The hymn writer calls us to remembrance of God’s steadfast love and mercy. We, too, are called to remembrance, leading us to a victorious identity. In chapter 4 of his letter, the Apostle Paul tells the church of Philippi: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Kuhnert references this piece of scripture in Servant Leadership, pointing his readers to dwell on the true and better. We must know the truth in order to be grateful for it. Remember who God is, who you are in relation to Him, and His sovereign hand in the history of the United States.
The fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence did not pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for nothing. The last 250 years are proof of that. In this year of the semiquincentennial, remember those who have fought and given blood, sweat, and tears on behalf of you, your children, and your children’s children. Shift your perspective to the numerous blessings you have received. It is our responsibility to improve this country for generations yet to come. It is our duty to make sure future generations do not forget the countrymen who have died for the freedoms we now hold self-evident: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Gratitude and a victorious identity lead to passionate action for exceptionalism.
This year, I remember my grandfather. He fought in Vietnam for this country, and he fought in this country for Christ’s name. His fifty years of ministry were marked by a joyful smile due to the gratitude and hope he possessed. He lived a life of servant leadership, focused on serving people and being grateful for what he had, no matter how little. He lived passionately for the truth and took action to preserve the good. He chose the life of victory; victory found in gratitude and joy, ultimately rooted in Christ Jesus. True servant leadership starts with gratitude.
Moving from the Victim Circle to the Victor Circle takes work, but Generation Z is a determined generation. Kuhnert put it this way: “Imagine the defiant hope of a person who refuses to wear the label of victim and instead chooses to keep trusting good people, keep fostering an attitude of joy and keep moving forward with purpose and passion.” Choosing gratitude in the face of adversity; this is the hope my generation can claim.