Bible Thoughts

June 23, 2002

The earlier one recognizes the will of God and follows His will, the better will be the person in the future. When one who is young understands the truth and obeys it, it prepares him not only for a life of righteousness in this life, but a home in heaven in the afterlife. The energy of youth should be used in living a righteous life. There will be many temptations, but with the help of the Lord they can be overcome.

"Oh God, you have taught me from my youth..."(Psalm 71:17).

The minds of young people are open and receptive to what they hear and observe. It is a time for one to learn the principles to be followed throughout life. When one is young, it is easier to learn than when one grows older. When one learns early, he learns well. The teachings of youth will be with a person all of his life. Paul said that "...all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up..."(Acts 26:4). An example set by a righteous youth is a powerful tool in influencing others. Also note: You will remember your youth.

"Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood..."(Ecclesiastes 11:9).

Start early and continue to enjoy life. The ways of youth can be pleasant or unpleasant. For too many, they start with an optimistic view of life that tends to disappear over time. Enjoy your youth; have a good time(in the right way). Your heart(mind) will remember what happened when you were young. If you pursue the pleasant offerings of this life and deny the evil thoughts and ideas, you will start(and continue) a life that will make your parents happy and those with whom you have contact will be able to say, "He/she is such a fine young person." As you grow older, you will never regret living a life free of the influences that rob many young people of their happiness in later life.

"...childhood and the prime of life are fleeting"(Ecclesiastes 11:10)

My young friend, before you know it, you will have passedthe days of youth. Use your vigor and vitality in a way that will make you a person who loves others, cares for others, and helps others. Start early and continue to have the proper attitude toward those whom you know. Avoid the pessimism so often found as one grows older. Look for the good in yourself and others. A healthy attitude during youth will "remove grief and anger from your heart" and even ease the pain in your body.

"Do not remember the sins of my youth or my

transgressions"(Psalm 25:7).

David recognized that he made mistakes when he was young. He also knew that he could pray to God to obtain forgiveness. His complete trust, in spite of his occasional weaknesses, was in Jehovah. The Lord was gracious, loving, and forgiving of the king of Israel. When a young person makes a mistake and sins, the same source of forgiveness is available to the one who repents and prays to God for His mercy. Above all, do not give up because you commit a sin: seek forgiveness and leave the past behind.

"Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up; Yet they have not prevailed against me"(Psalm129:2).

Young people do suffer. They do not escape the trials of this life. Perhaps those of us who are older tend to forget how it was as we were growing up. When you think you had it rough, understand that every generation does suffer from the unpleasantries of this life. The Psalmist did not let those who would harm him prevail. Amid the attractions of our day, the temptations are extremely attractive to one who is young and full of energy and curiosity. It is not unusual for those who yield to such to try to antagonize those who say no to ungodliness. Such persecution comes in various modes. The faithful young disciple may be the object of ridicule, have bad jokes made about them, teased in a negative way, or shunned by others. If one learns to bear the "yoke" in youth, one will be adequately prepared to bear the "yoke" in the future.

"It is good for a man that he should bear the yoke in his youth" (Lamentations 3:17).

There are challenges in a person's youth. How one faces such prepares for adulthood. Some young person may always be moaning, griping, and complaining about one's lot. However, a negative attitude does not improve a person's condition. Accepting and overcoming the hardships of youth can prepare one for a better life as an adult. Do not let an older person tell you that there are no problems or difficulties when you are young. There are burdens to be borne by those younger as well as those who are older.

"For you are my hope; O Lord God, you are my confidence from my youth"(Psalm 71:5)

For all of his life, the Psalmist had served the Lord. He was not without mistakes, but understood when such were made he had someone to understand and one in whom he could place his confidence. He learned that one tries to do his best, but if he fails, he could turn to Jehovah for help. When the pressures of life seem unbearable, he could be assured that God would help him. Let each young person(and each older) take a lesson from these passages on youth. When we place our confidence in the Lord, we have the greatest help that is available, whether in times of difficulty or in times of joy.

"I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread"(Psalm 37:25).

Is it possible that some folks would not like heaven since there will be no fussing or fighting? Why, then, can we not solve our differences and difficulties without wrangling in order that we can prepare for a time of peace and serenity? We have the standard for our conduct and behavior set forth in the word of God. Have we read the words of the Lord lately? Paul said it, "Be at peace among yourselves"(I Thessalonians 5:13).