Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10)

The Days Of Youth

Youth is the beginning of life where new discoveries are made. It is the prime of life when energy is boundless and hope lies endless. The days are long, the future is a million miles away, and life is full of vigor. God created the time of youth to be a time of happiness. There is an innocence of a life unspoiled by tragedy and heartache that pervades the heart of youth. An endless abundance of strength to conquer the world forges the youthful spirit to seek the highest mountains of life. Youth is an amazing time.

God created youth with and for a purpose. He never suggested that an oppressive set of laws and rules should bind young people. From the beginning of time, the Lord knew the blessings that young people would bring to the home, the community, and to His cause. The scriptures are filled with young people of great faith. God wants the time of youth to be a place where youthful voices, young hearts, and innocent minds glorify him. Faith is not an old person’s walk. It is the character of godly young people who have fallen in love with the Lord God and serve Him every day.

Seeking greater faith in God while enjoying youth is a testimony to God’s wise creation. What would the world be with the youthful faith of Joseph, son of Jacob? As a teenager, Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery. Chains bound Joseph, but his heart continually trusted in the will of God. It would be twenty-two years before Joseph fully realized his purpose. He never lost his faith in God and would be the headwater of the greatest story in the Old Testament – God’s deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt.

David was but a youth when he challenged the behemoth Goliath in the Valley of Elah. The powerful army of Israel cowered in fear, but David faced the giant with the determined faith of a dedicated soldier of the Almighty God. While the army (and Saul) looked at Goliath as so big, who could kill him; David saw a man so big, how could he miss. He killed Goliath through his faith in the Lord God. Daniel and his three friends paved the way for greatness in the story of young people standing for truth. They faced the wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar on more than one occasion, and each time, trusting in God, they were victorious. Their stories will be told until the end of time.

God needs young people in the church. They are not the future of the church; they are the church today. Churches must focus on training, admonishing, encouraging, and exhorting the young people. If they are neglected, the church suffers. Young people must be taught to serve the Lord as faithful servants of God. The older must listen to the spirit of youth and find ways to serve the grace of God in the work of the kingdom alongside them. They have so much to offer in the work of the church, bringing valuable insights and energies. The joy of youth is found when young people bring others to Christ. That is how, as a young person, faith grows when they have a desire to help their friends seek eternal life.

God tells the young people to enjoy their youth. Be cautious with the decisions you make, so there will be fewer regrets, but enjoy life and show Christ. Seeking greater faith during one’s youth is a testament to the creation of God. Let the beauty of Christ shine brightly in the lives of young people who show Christ in their lives. Some of the greatest evangelists of the gospel of Christ are young people. Teach them to love the Lord. Let them show others Christ.