Youth is precious, especially when used well. Everywhere, young people are needed for labor; nations depend on their strength. Satan also desires young people more than the elders, for his evil work. Likewise, the Holy Spirit desires young people too. Statistics show that between ages 13 to 20 is when many hear God’s call, 21 to 30 is often a time of spiritual training, and 30 to 50 is the time for active ministry. It is rare for people to be called at 40 or 50, so receiving Christ in youth is a great blessing because youth is valuable before God. Youth is a time of great spiritual strength — a special grace God gives to young people. It does not apply to elders. 1 John 2:14“I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” Just as a nation’s workforce depends on youth, so the Kingdom of God is built by holy young people because they have strength elders do not. Therefore, youth must be highly valued. The Apostle Paul, near the end of his ministry, understood this and sought many young men for special service to build God’s kingdom. Some of these were Timothy and Titus—both young men, probably in their 20s, yet entrusted with great responsibility and power by the Holy Spirit. Timothy was given the task to oversee churches in Asia, and Titus was empowered to appoint elders in the church (Titus 1). Imagine—a young man overseeing churches and appointing leaders older than himself! Timothy was similarly charged (1 Timothy 3), including admonishing and warning elders. Most importantly, Paul warned these young men—and all young people—that no one should despise your youth. 1 Timothy 4:12“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.” Titus was also commanded: Titus 2:15“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” This means when you preach the gospel, do not be concerned about the age or status of your listeners. Preach boldly that all sinners who do not repent will go to hell! Do not let your youthfulness or others’ skepticism stop you. The Holy Spirit in you is speaking through you because God told you to do so, not men. You will see many come to Christ through your ministry, even those older than your parents, because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Therefore, do not despise your youth, and let no one despise you. If people insult you or say you don’t know anything because you’re young, ignore them. Preach the Word! Youth carries tremendous power from God—more than many elders realize. Satan knows this and therefore hates young people; he tries to corrupt many of them. Paul also warned young people to flee youthful lusts in their service to God. 2 Timothy 2:22“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Youth is full of temptations and desires. This does not mean that after becoming a Christian you will never face temptation. You will—but Scripture commands us to flee from them, not just pray about them. There is no prayer in the Bible that says “help me to avoid lust” or “help me to overcome drunkenness” or “help me avoid immorality.” The solution is to flee! For example, if you find yourself tempted to sexual sin with someone, avoid that person; do not just pray about it. If your friends pressure you to sin, separate from them. Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife instead of praying to be kept from her (Genesis 39:12). If you struggle with pornography or naked images on your phone that lead you into sin, the only solution is to delete those images, or change your phone to one that cannot easily access them. The Bible says in Matthew 5:29-30 that if a part of your body causes you to sin, cut it off, so you do not lose your whole soul. Do not wait until your youth is destroyed by the devil. The age you have is valuable. If you do not wake up today, you will regret later why you did not serve God in your youth. Awake from your sleep! God bless you, young one! If you have not given your life to Christ, know that you are already in opposition to Christ because you have not gathered with Him (Matthew 12:30). Repent today and give your life to Jesus. Your youth is very valuable in His kingdom. Many will be changed through you if you submit to Christ, and one day you will receive the crown of life. Maranatha! Please share this good news with others. If you want us to send these lessons by email or WhatsApp, send a message in the comment box below or call +255 789001312.