For as long as I can remember, the words “young” and “idealistic” have gone together like “cap” and “gown.” Generations of young idealists with a new degree have set out to change the world, buoyed by the conviction that the world’s challenges should be addressed and that they should address them.
With graduation season in full swing, I’ve been reflecting on the unique contributions of recent graduates to our institutions, our workforce, and, more broadly, our world—and I count idealism among them. Unquestionably, HOPE’s culture changes for the better every summer when our interns and fellows arrive. Recent and soon-to-be graduates bring energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives. Our world and our organizations desperately need people with high hopes and ideals. We need people who see what God created this world to be and courageously respond, believing it’s possible to make a positive impact.
There’s no doubt that I started as an idealist. While in college, I heard a talk by Muhammad Yunus about the power and potential of microfinance, and I envisioned being on the front lines of permanently eradicating poverty. I believed we could see extreme poverty eliminated in our world if everyone could simply access capital to launch and invest in small businesses.
But it turns out “simply” was the wrong word. After 25 years in this work, I’ve realized change is far more complex and difficult than I initially imagined.
Nonprofit organizations, churches, and the service sector are disproportionately full of idealists—but increasingly, they are full of cynics. Comedian George Carlin once quipped, “If you scratch any cynic, you find a disappointed idealist.” Hitting the difficulties of service, too often idealists grow up to be cynics.
As our culture increasingly celebrates cynicism and associates idealism with naivete or even willful ignorance, I fear cynicism is on the rise. And this is a loss.
We need the next generation to remind us of the potential to make a difference. To challenge the cynic and bring their enthusiasm and perspective. Sure, they too will discover soon enough that every organization falters and missteps and that it’s harder than we imagine to make a difference. But we need idealists to remind us that cynicism isn’t the solution. That change is possible and that God invites us to be a part of it. And that we have the responsibility to step out in faith and passionately work for change.
To young idealists who are starting their service this summer, I celebrate you and offer this benediction from Colossians 1:11-12 (MSG):
We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
May you discover hope in the journey as you take the first steps into lives of long obedience and faithful service.
Peter’s latest book, The Gift of Disillusionment, explores the journey from idealism to enduring hope. Learn more and prepare yourself for a lifetime of faithful service at www.thegiftofdisillusionment.com.
