And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, and answered them after the advice of the young men.…And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. (2 Chronicles 10:13–14, 19, KJV)
After the death of King Solomon, the Israelites turned to his son, Rehoboam, for relief from his father’s heavy taxes and forced labor. The elders advised him to ease the people’s burdens, but instead King Rehoboam listened to his friends. He treated the people even more harshly, and as a result, the kingdom split.
In the midst of tumultuous times, Rehoboam’s dismissal of wise counsel led to rebellion. Even today, we find ourselves navigating challenges and needing insight. Just like people in Old Testament days, we can glean invaluable wisdom from those with greater experience.
Consider this: approximately 76 million individuals were born in the U.S. after World War II through the mid-1960s, a generation known as baby boomers.1 These unique people shaped culture and endured profound historical changes. They diverged from their parents, the Greatest Generation, and adopted their own methods of doing things. They created bucket lists, embraced getting older (“age is just a number”), and developed meaningful ways to interact in their communities. Many have even seamlessly integrated into the new technological era.
Baby boomers also witnessed the decline of the defined-benefit pension, the rise of defined-contribution plans, and an increase in disposable income. They’re more likely than their parents to hold a college degree and travel the world. Many were also raised in church. During the 1950s through the ’70s, local congregations saw record numbers of children in Sunday school.2
As boomers live longer, try new things, and transition into retirement, they’re seeking to make a lasting impact.3 Whether through political engagement, ministerial endeavors, or personal giving of their time and resources, many have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord Jesus both locally and globally. These remarkable individuals have much to share, and we can greatly learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ as they leave a legacy of faithfulness.
For decades, baby boomer supporters have played a vital role in advancing the mission of the Institute for Creation Research. Their generous involvement fueled scientific research, the growth of the ICR Discovery Center, and the expansion of our publications, media, and events. Their faithful giving enables ICR to freely provide Acts & Facts and Days of Praise and proclaim the truth of biblical creation around the world.
As we celebrate the lasting impact of this extraordinary generation, we also look to the future with great excitement and anticipation. We invite you to join us in continuing this legacy of support. To explore ways that you can financially contribute, visit ICRgiving.org. Your involvement, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, plays a crucial role in our efforts.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters, especially those from the baby boomer generation, for their unwavering dedication to ICR’s work. Together, let us press on, inspired by the wisdom of the past and encouraged by the hope of the future. Boomers truly are a “booming” generation! May the Lord Jesus bless you abundantly as you continue to bless others.
References
1. Pollard, K. and P. Scommegna. Just How Many Baby Boomers Are There? Population Reference Bureau. Posted on prb.org April 16, 2014.
2. Roof, W. C. 1993. A Generation of Seekers: The Spiritual Journeys of the Baby Boom Generation. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins Publishers.
3. Arias, E. et al. Vital Statistics Rapid Release, Report No. 23: Provisional Life Expectancy Estimates for 2021. National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, August 31, 2022.
Stage Image: 1959 congregation of Greenville Baptist Church in Greenville, FL (Image credit: Public Domain)
* Ms. Krieg is the donor relations and stewardship manager at the Institute for Creation Research.
