A Word to the Young:”Remember Your Creator…
…….in the Days of Your Youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1
Time does not seem like such a precious commodity when you think you have a great deal of it. What you do with your time is not a great concern when you forget that it belongs to Another and that He will hold you accountable for every second that He has entrusted to you. Poor stewardship of time is a great malady found among young and old alike, but it is especially common among the youth. First, the young often presume that they have time without end, and forget that they are mortal like the rest. Secondly, as the young grow towards adulthood, they often become increasingly enamored with their new found freedoms. They forget that they are still subject to God’s rule and will be held accountable on that Great Day. Such presumptions lead to many sins, and ultimately result in a “wasted life.” We do not know how much time we have been given by our Creator, but through the Scriptures we are informed that even the longest life is nothing more than a passing shadow or “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Our death as well as our judgment has been divinely appointed (Hebrews 9:27). How then shall we live? In his letter to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul gives us the following instruction:
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is…” Ephesians 5:15-17
If you are a young man or woman, I beg you to be extremely careful with regard to how you live your life. As a Christian in a fallen world, you stand as a soldier in the midst of an end-less minefield of evil. One wrong step can lead to your destruction and the destruction of your companions.Therefore, you must be absorbed in the study of God’s Word so that you might grow in wisdom and be able to discern His will in all things. You must devote yourself to the things of God and not waste the few days that have been given to you on trivial pursuits. In the following are set forth a few helpful hints to direct you on your way to a fruitful life as a true servant of Jesus Christ.
First Hint: Consider Christlike character to be of utmost importance. Character is everything. The fruitfulness of your work in the kingdom will be determined by what you are. Seek after conformity to Christ and discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.
Second Hint: Devote yourself to the study of God’s Word. The fool gains whatever little knowledge he possesses though personal experience, but the godly man learns from every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Thus a godly and wise youth avoids the painful pitfalls of the fool who would rather “live and learn” than “learn from God and live”. The one virtue which most marks the truly useful servant of God is his or her knowledge of the Scriptures.
Third Hint: Devote yourself to prayer. This is not a mere suggested step to greater piety, but a direct command taken from Scripture (Colos-sians 4:2). We are to pray at all times and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Prayer is a multi-faceted discipline that cannot be confned to petitions and entreaties, but also includes thanksgiving, praise, and communion with God. How can a young man or woman learn to pray? By studying the inspired prayers of Scripture and by praying, praying, praying.
Fourth Hint: Fellowship with the godly. Three aspects must be mentioned here. The first is separation from evil influences. The second is fellowship with those who inspire and encourage you to greater Christlikeness. The third is opening your life to the companionship and instruction of older men and women. He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools (other youths) will suffer harm (Proverbs 13:20).
Fifth Hint: Flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness. The same Scriptures which command us to stand frm against the devil (Ephe-sians 6:11), also command us to fee from youthful lusts (II Timothy 2:22). This tells us that the temptation of sexual immorality is overpowering and we must avoid it at all cost. If you do not fear this sin you will fall. It is not a question of “if” but “when.” Avoid internet use without accountability and unchaperoned fellowship with the opposite sex.
Sixth Hint: Avoid trivial pursuits. You are a child of God, destined for glory, and called to do great things in His Name. Do not waste your life on hobbies, sports, and other recreational pursuits. Do not throw away the precious moments of your life on entertainment, movies, and video games. Though some of these things can properly have a “small place” in the Christian’s life, we must be careful not to give undue attention to temporal and fruitless activities. Do not waste your life. Employ the time of your youth in developing the character and skills necessary to be a useful servant of God.
Seventh Hint: Fan to a fame the gift of God which is in you (II Timothy 1:6). Seek to discover your gifts and learn to minister to others according to the grace of God that has been given to you. The Scriptures contain a long list of youths who were mightily used of God – Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Esther, Timothy… You should do everything in your power to join their ranks as early as possible. Learn the Scriptures. Be diligent to present yourself approved of God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, who accurately handles the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
Article from HeartCry Magazine Vol. 61
