There is a mistaken notion that Christianity is an adult’s religion, that the Lord’s work is reserved for those in their majority. Because of this misconception, many young people feel disenfranchised – that there is nothing for them to do- that they might as well wait until they are grown to obey the gospel and begin serving the Lord. Such is exactly what Satan would have them to do.
In contrast with the above, Solomon, the wise sage of Israel, advised, “Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Today, there is a place for young people in God’s kingdom; in fact such has always been the case. From the Scriptures we learn of numerous young people whose noble examples should be followed (Romans 15:4).
Miriam diligently cared for her infant brother Moses when his life was in jeopardy (Exodus 2:1-8). When the cruel Pharaoh ordered the death of Hebrew baby boys, she stood sentry by his little ark of safety. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the child, Miriam arranged for his own mother to be his nursemaid. She had a loving attitude toward her brother; there was no jealousy or rivalry. She was a willing helper to her mother. Young Miriam saved Moses for God and Israel. But for her, Moses would have been raised a pagan Egyptian. All the good that Moses accomplished must be credited in part to his sister, Miriam.
David fought Goliath of Gath and saved God’s people. At that time David was “but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance” (1 Samuel 17:42). Yet this youth had great faith in his God. He reasoned that “Jehovah that delivered him out of the paw of the lion and … bear … will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:29). The great danger of the occasion was met by David’s great courage (1 Samuel 17:32). In all of his exploits, David gave God the honor for victories won. He told Goliath before engaging him, “That all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand” (1Samuel 17:47).
Young King Josiah led his nation in a great spiritual reformation. He inherited the throne of Judah at age 8 (2 Kings 22:1-2). “While he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David (2 Chronicles 34:3). Josiah purged Jerusalem of idolatry, and led his people back to the Bible (2 Chronicles 34:14-33). He taught them how to worship God acceptably.
The boy Daniel refused to defile himself with Babylon’s pagan practices (Daniel 1:8,9). He had been taken to Babylon as a hostage of war. Now he had the chance of bettering his situation if he could qualify for a palace job. Yet young Daniel steadfastly refused to violate the precepts of God’s law to do so. He stood by his convictions and won. Not only did he get his job – soon he was given the top post in his field (Daniel 2:48).
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were young men who refused to violate their religious principles. The arrogant king of Babylon demanded that they worship his idols (Daniel 3:5). They refused to do so on pain of death (Daniel 3:6). They believed that the God they served was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:17). If God chose not to deliver them, then they were prepared to die rather than compromise their faith (3:18). And deliver them Jehovah did, in so spectacular a way that haughty Nebuchadnezzar was forced to honor their God (Daniel 3:28).
There is the example of the boy who shared his sack lunch with Jesus (John 6:9-13). He was willing to give of his resources to the Lord. As a consequence of his generosity, many hungry people were blessed that day. Because he shared his blessings that boy was privileged to witness one of Jesus’ spectacular miracles; the only miracle recorded by all four gospel writers. His deed for Christ has been preserved for the ages.
Timothy learned the Holy Scriptures from his early childhood and served God in his youth (2 Timothy 3:15). As a young Christian worker, he received these words of wise counsel from Paul:
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity…give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. Neglect not the gift that is in thee…” (1 Timothy 4:11-14).
This advice is good for any young folks who wish to enjoy the respect of their elders.
John Mark assisted Barnabas and Saul in their evangelistic work (Acts 12:25; 13:5). A young person cannot expect to be put into a leadership post until he has grown and matured by study and experience. There must be a time for proving one’s ability and dependability. Mark was later rewarded for his years of apprenticeship by being selected to write the second gospel.
In closing his lectures to the young, Solomon advised, “Rejoice, 0 young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee … and walk in the ways of thy heart … but know thou that … God will bring thee into judgment … Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13).
The time for you to begin serving God is now!
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