Youth

by Young, W. | Category: General | Jul 1954

It is questionable if there is another period in life that has more significance and presents more possibilities than youth. The late teens in the life of the young Christian are perhaps the most critical. During this period decisions are made that either open up the way to a bright spiritual future, or on the other hand to a life of loss. World attractions and pleasures, knowledge accumulated from scholastic education all weigh heavily on the mind of youth.

The parable of the sower in Matthew 13. discloses the causes of spiritual decline and decay. The seed which fell upon rocky ground sprung up, but soon withered away for lack of moisture. That which fell among the thorns also sprung up, but the thorns grew up with it and eventually choked it. Both instances can be suggestive of young life.

In the first instance lack of moisture, involving smallness of root, was the cause of death to the natural plant. Now if youth is to bear the similarity of plants grown-up, there must be a taking of root downward, and a bearing of fruit upward. The most suitable environment for the above possibility is to be planted by the streams of water which flow through the Word of God. Young child of God, the Word of God is water to walk in, moreover it is water to swim in, but, for you, it is water to drink. Do not let your heart become like a parched land in respect to the Word of God. Since you have been directed by God to the house of God, the place of service here should be the order of your spiritual life" Thou hast planted them, yea they have taken root, they grow, yea they bring forth fruit."

The simile from the seed that brought forth life and grew with the thorns until ultimately choked by them, set forth how the developing young life can be adversely affected by the cares, and riches, and pleasures of this present life. Cares, riches, and pleasures are stones of stumbling to any not walking in the light. These are the attractions to worldliness, but sure detractions from Christ-likeness. These three are closely allied to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the vainglory of life, all of which are not of the Father, but are of the world. The age in which we live has many allurements. Be watchful lest you fall in love with them. The Lord has given the warning, "Love not the world." By neglecting this warning, a promising life was wrecked, when Demas forsook Paul, having loved this present world (or age) (2 Timothy 4.10). Love of the world develops through various channels. It may have its origin in the daily conversations at the work-bench, or at the office-desk, or in accepting offered companionship from a friend in the office or workshop. If this is accepted, a wrestling for spiritual life ensues. Can two walk together except they be in agreement, or have common interests and objectives in the pursuit of life? When companionship begins between two with very different spiritual outlooks on life there is of necessity a struggle for priority in regard to life, and only too often the spiritual succumbs to the carnal. In the matter of companionship be guided by the writer of Psalm 119. He wrote "I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that observe Thy precepts." The spiritually minded youth or maiden should accept only the companionship of the spiritually-minded, and this is imperative when a companionship is between a sister and brother which may develop into courtship and marriage. The latter should be "only in the Lord." Strive for agreement in spiritual matters and where it exists there is every encouragement to continue the companionship, but where there is continued divergence of views, companionship should be discouraged. Consider thyself lest thou be tempted.

Young, W. | Jul 1954
General