Bible Thoughts April 23, 2000
"Remember also thy creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil
days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no
pleasure in them"(Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Out of all the mortal men who have lived, Solomon was the wisest. His advice can be depended upon because he understood the duties one has to God. Solomon had experienced life to its fullest; it would be appropriate to consider what he has written. His remarks were not limited to those of the older set, but he spoke words of truth to those of all ages. Solomon had been there; Solomon had done that.
Solomon was not without mistakes. He used his mistakes to make himself wiser in the ways of righteousness. The experience of Solomon will help to prepare each of us to live a life that is pleasing to God. Solomon would close Ecclesiastes by saying, "Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man"(12:13). Such a conclusion demonstrates that Solomon learned his lessons well.
Solomon knew that one best serves God by starting in one's youth. Such is not to say that those who are older cannot learn and become better children of God, they can and do! But there is something about being young and energetic for what is right in the earlier years that will prepare one for the later years of one's life. A number of older Christians have expressed how much they yearned to have been able to know the gospel of Christ in their earlier years. For this reason, we address these words to the young men and young women who will be the future leaders in the Lord's church, in the home, and in society.
Remember your Creator while you are young. The energy and enthusiasm of youth will carry into adulthood. What you value most in this life as you grow and mature will have a profound influence on you for the rest of your life. As you grow older, you can look back with great satisfaction that you chose the Lord and His kingdom first(Matthew 6:33). You will never regret, as you age, making such a choice.
Remember your Creator when you select your leisure time activities. The world offers so many different opportunities for the young person of today that it is often difficult to make a choice. Under such conditions, it is right for a young person to choose those activities that will not interfere with one's service to God. Those who are not Christians will not show any concern for the conflicts that might arise between one's obligation to God and the satisfaction of one's own desires. It is not easy to choose to place the Lord first, but it is right!
Remember your Creator when you choose your close friends. Most young people like to be around their peers and accepted by those with whom they associate. We are influenced, knowingly and unknowingly, by those with whom we spend much of our time. Friends are wonderful, if they make one a better person by association. On the other hand, Paul said, "Be not deceived: Evil companionship corrupts good morals"(I Corinthians 15:33). Many young people mar their lives by running with the wrong crowd. Do not let it happen to you, my young friend.
Remember your Creator when you decide on a secular education. Take the time to look into the future and determine how it will affect one's life as a Christian. Resolve to keep the faith and live as a disciple of Christ, resisting any teachings or influences that would carry a child of God into distrust of the Word of God. Many faithful brethren have weathered the storm of agnostic and atheistic influences of higher education. It is in your power to do so, my young friend; do not waver to the wild speculations of faithless souls who have no vision beyond the present.
Remember your Creator when you choose a career. Examine your future as a Christian in any future occupation. Will it increase my faith or rob me of my belief? Will it interfere with my responsibilities to God? What effect will it have upon my participation and service to the local church? Will it keep me from services? Will the demands be so great that I have little, if any, time for the Lord and for my family? My young friend, look before you leap!
Remember your Creator when you choose a mate. Someday, the most influential person in your life(except the Lord and His word) will be the one you married. You may deny it, some will dispute it, and others may ignore it, but it is still the truth. In marriage, you become one. You will tend to like the same people, the same enjoyments, the same sorrows as well as the same joys. Both will be influenced by the other. Do you want to be influenced throughout the rest of your life by someone who does not respect righteousness? Or, by someone who cares about the Lord and His way? The one whom you choose to share your life will contribute to your faithfulness to God or will weaken or destroy your faith in God. In a world that has lost faith in the institution of marriage, do not marry someone that will be a "grief of mind"(Genesis 26:35) throughout your life.
Remember your Creator as you start a family. Set an example for your offspring; encourage them in the principles of truth and righteousness; teach them the ways of God. The influence you exert on your children will affect generations unborn. As you grow older, you can look back with satisfaction that you led them in the ways of the Lord and they are keeping the faith. Always remember, "Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah"(Psalm 127:3).
Remember your Creator for the rest of your life. The Lord will help you face each battle; win each war; celebrate each victory. Resolve that you will permit nothing in this world prevent you enjoying a home in Heaven. While you are young, with the future before you, it is hard to imagine that someday, if the world stands, you will become as many of us, older in years. The time will speed by; the years will pass; death is inevitable. So live your life that when it comes to an end, it can be said, "He/she lived and died a Christian." You can do it, if you remember your creator.