Seeking Scripture passages to motivate young adults

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My husband and I are dismayed by the several friends our kids have who at 18, 19 and 20 are living with this sense of entitlement and not actively pursuing a better future for themselves (or others). Some of these young adults are Catholic, attending mass only when they remember, the rest are not involved in any religion. A few of them talk about God, and wonder what they’re supposed to do to make it into heaven, but even though we’ve told them they’re job is to attend mass, pray, and open themselves to hear God’s call for them, they continue to eat at all hours, sleep until noon, work at part time jobs and play video games until 3am.

We’re not their parents. Knowing their parents and the lifestyles they lead we aren’t surprised to see these kids we’ve known since they were 8 years old continue to do their own thing, drop out of community college, and ignore any household rules designed to teach them responsibilities. But when the ones who do turn to us to ask the occasional question “What does God want from me?” I’d like to be ready to show them some scripture passages which reflect the warning to those who do not meet God’s potential for them.

One which comes to mind is Revelations 3:15-16 :
'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

And I know there are several parables told by Jesus which would serve to put a small fire under these young adults who are at least asking the question, but I can’t recall all of them so I’m asking for help. I’m looking for passages which address God’s desire for each of us to use our gifts and talents for others, to nurture them and not waste them. That sort of thing.
 
Romans 12:6-8 is about use of our talents…
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his**faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

I think your Revelation passage is excellent on describing those who are dull in the faith.

Maybe someone else remembers the parables you are referencing.**
 
Since when did young adults become a problem to solved with passive presence at Mass?

I think we wish so much for young adults to be members of churches. However, young adults are not sold on mute membership, but rather active involvment.

If we want young adults back in the pews, you must also be willing to allow them to run ALL church organizations.

Now c’mon, how many of us really want that to happen?
We just want them to show up, right?
 
Three verses immediately come to mind:

Ecclesiates 12:1–Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them.”

1 Timothy 4:12–Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

2 Timothy 2:2–Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Matthew 25:1-30 also has two parables that should be applicable for your young friends.

I’m sure a search of the scriptures would turn up more passages like these. May God bless and guide you as you witness to these young people.
 
I’d suggest Matthew 25:31-46

I was hungry. . . I was thirsty. . . a stranger. . .naked. . .ill. . .in prison. . . and the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least bothers of mine, you did for me.’

They should realize these are things we will be judged on.
 
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