10 Things Millennials Want

Recently, I’ve been struck by the millennial movies which are dominating the box office. Films like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner and The Divergent series.

Recently, having watched The Maze Runner (thank you HBO for the free weekend), I laid in bed thinking about the deep connections of these movies. Yes, these are the kind of thoughts that keep me up at night!

As I reflected on these films, I couldn’t help but notice how incredibly similar they all are. I know from the outside looking in it doesn’t seem that way, as each hero and every action-packed scene looks different. I mean really, what could a gigantic moving maze, a play-to-the-death arena and a world divided into factions all have in common?

Well, more than you realize!

So, here are my thoughts on how these millennial films relate to you. Finally, out of my head and into your hands, so I can sleep at night!

1. They live in a world they were put in and did not choose. The games, sanctions, districts and the maze are all set up to ensure submission to authority so no one will step out of line. Obviously the millennial generation isn’t forced into a world they didn’t choose, but yet at times it seems as if we were, as we are often fighting against systems, rules and regulations. I am not saying it’s the way forward, just a reality of 20-year-olds these days (more on why this is with point #10). All of this leads me to the next point.
2. Power and control at the top keeps them confined and fighting to break free. Whether it’s the capital or WCKD, corruption at the top is the enemy, as they fight to bring down these leaders. I am pretty sure most millennials don’t consider their leaders the “enemy,” but again anything or anyone which keeps them confined is not their friend.
3. Young women are emerging as key leaders. Katniss Everdeen, Teresa and Tris Prior all have major roles as leaders, if not the main role. Even today, we see Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games actress) stepping out for equal pay, as well as businesswomen, CEOs and other organizational women leaders fighting for equality. This is a new day when God is bringing to light His intent for equality, no matter your age, race or gender.
4. They know something isn’t right even if they can’t quite put their finger on it. The questions and curiosity are what bring them to the point of no return. They have pushed the box and felt resistance, as a a higher voice shouted, “Stay in the box.” There only reply was, “No.” From that moment on the war began. Another way of saying it, “Nobody puts Baby in the corner!”
5. They understand the battle can only be won together. There’s no “I” in team. Unity is key and time again we see diversity coming together for the sake of the group. We see this trend more and more among the younger generations.
6. There is battle even within the lower divisions who are fighting the top. Yet, unfortunately, not everyone is on the same page, and even family members don’t see eye to eye. But you have to decide—you are either with us or against us. Lately, you can see this playing out with the issue of gay marriage—every Facebook post is basically screaming out for you to pick a side.
7. Fear is real and recognizing the fear means they can move forward in courage. One of the elements I appreciate about these films is the authenticity of each leader. Their fear, worry and doubt aren’t masked because they are the hero of the story, but rather we see them acknowledge it, define it and move forward in spite of it. This life of authenticity is what the millennial generation craves. That doesn’t mean we always get it right, but we are quick to recognize when someone is real and when they aren’t, and we are attracted to and follow those who live transparent lives.
8. Sacrifice is inevitable. Someone has to die, right? It’s the gospel people! What is life without sacrifice? We understand there’s a price to pay for freedom, and someone worthy of the cost must suffer for the greater good.
9. Every warrior has a battle, and every warrior has a part to play. No matter if it’s the leading role, supporting actor or the guy with the one-liner, there are decisions that must be made. Who will they fight for and what kind of person will they be? No one is insignificant and no “role” too small because when everyone contributes we all win.
10. Lastly, (even though I could keep going) the end goal is freedom, love, unity and peace. Google, Facebook, Apple—why are these companies and their environments thriving? In a word—freedom. As millennials, we want don’t want to feel tied down, confined or constrained to a certain way, system or process. We need to know there are options and variety and that we have the space to explore, dream and go after adventure.

As a generation, we long to live in an environment and around people who give us the opportunity to choose, discover and live with no restrictions on the world ahead of us.

But once again, those are just my two cents, and as always, I would love to know what you think. Do you think these points sum up millennials or have I completely missed it?!

** Note: I am not saying this gives millennials or anyone free reign to do as we please. Accountability, boundaries and consequences are equally important in experiencing and living in true freedom, but that is for another post!

Mikaela Kate is passionate to see you reach your full God-given potential! Her heart is to inspire the next generation to discover who they are and what they are made to do. There is a unique voice locked within you, and Mikaela Kate is authorized to release it! A speaker, writer and coach, Mikaela Kate has invested seven years developing college-age men and women into leaders. Conducting Bible studies, women’s groups, and young adult teams, she encourages others to go further and higher—taking their gifts, passions, and skills to the next level! A graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in marketing, she discovered her love for strategic thinking, big picture ideas, and meeting people where they are. These skills and passions later equipped her to plant a church with five other staff members (Veritas Church, Iowa City, Iowa). From there she moved to Sheffield, England and worked as the Young Adults Leader at St. Thomas Philadelphia. While in England her passion for America grew and her desire to see her native land transformed for Jesus ignited. She sees people living out their God-given purpose as a key to the transformation of this nation. Mikaela currently lives in South Carolina and is an active member of The Father’s House Church. You can reach her by email at [email protected] or on her website at www.mikaelakate.com.