The Christian Teen

In the Days of Thy Youth

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.

—Ecclesiastes 12:1

Sara Whittaker

Between balancing school, work, and relationships with friends and family, young people today feel the pressure of the cares of this world as they think about how they are going to accomplish one thing or the other on time, making important decisions, and deciding how to achieve their goals. It can be overwhelming at times, so overwhelming that priorities become confused. Sometimes it seems there is so little time and so many options. That is why it is important to take time each day for prayer, thought, and thanksgiving to our creator: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colos­sians 4:2, NKJV).

We are blessed that we can look to the Lord and be assured that he has a father’s love for us and will guide us if only we seek him. It is by daily reflection on God’s care for us and his plan for mankind that we can stay focused in our studies and aspirations to be servants of God: “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to your name. O Most High; to declare your lovingkindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night” (Psalm 92:1,2, NKJV). Some find that reading the Manna first thing in the morning is helpful to keep in the right state of mind for the day. Others find that prayer or giving praise through song is helpful: “So I will sing praise to your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows” (Psalm 61:8, NKJV).

Focusing on Doing God’s Will

With our minds focused on doing God’s will we can better discern between what activities in our lives can help us grow closer in our relationship to our maker and in what areas we should center our attentions. The difficulty is deciding what is God’s will for us. Does God want me to take this job? Would it be right to go away to school? Even small decisions can be distressing. The best thing to do would be to go to God directly with these anxieties through prayer knowing he will provide guidance: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6, NKJV).

An additional way to find guidance is to turn to the brethren. They can provide encouragement for us in our struggles: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20, NKJV). Today we have many opportunities to communicate with our brethren through technology. E-mail opens a wide door of opportunities to have studies and converse with distant brethren. In particular, we should turn to our elderly brethren for direction. They are more than happy to offer assistance, and they will be blessed as well.

Be An Example

Paul writes to Timothy saying, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

At this time Timothy probably would have been in his thirties. Although today the word youth is generally descriptive of those in their late teens and twenties, these words still apply to our lives. As followers of the example Christ set for us, we are to strive to live righteously and be lights unto the world: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV).

Serving God in Our Youth

One issue that discourages young people is the feeling that because of age, we are unable to do much to serve God. We lack the years of experience our older brethren have acquired; many times we do not have the resources to take on large tasks. But the reality is that young people have many opportunities to serve God and the brethren and in ways that older brethren cannot.

In high school students generally begin to find things out for themselves. Religious beliefs become a choice not just a part of one’s heritage. While forming opinions, students are curious to hear other views and are not shy to express their own. In public high schools, only the students have the right to freely express their theologies during school. This is an opportunity that we, as young people, can use to our advantage by sharing our own personal beliefs. “And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Chances are that when others observe the way we live our lives and the strength of our faith in God, they will become curious.

Sharing one’s beliefs with others can be difficult because it usually brings confrontation between differing opinions. It can even permanently damage friendships. Yet to bring a blessing to others and encourage them in their understanding of God’s plan and awesome character is a gift from a true friend: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NKJV).

We also have the opportunity to reach out to those who are younger than we are. Young children notice when a young adult takes interest in them, and that encourages them. By reaching out to the younger ones, we can create close mentoring relationships which bless both parties.

So let us not underestimate the opportunities we have to help and encourage others to love God and his righteous principles. Age is not a limitation of our service. The Scriptures give many examples of those whose faith at a young age was rewarded by God. These include David, Joseph, Mary and others. We can all echo David’s words: “O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works” (Psalm 71:17).