IF YOU ARE A YOUNG PERSON, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION AND BE WISE!

1. Evil Thoughts and Rebellion Often Begin in Youth

Genesis 8:21 (ESV) says,

“And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.’”

This verse reveals a profound truth: human nature is marred by sin from an early age. Our hearts tend naturally toward evil and rebellion, which often begins in youth. The fallenness of human nature means that the battle against sin starts early and requires constant vigilance.

Similarly, Jeremiah 22:21 (ESV) states,

“I spoke to you when you were prosperous, but you said, ‘I will not listen.’ This is the word that the LORD declared to me: ‘Yet you say, “I am innocent; surely his anger turns from me.” Behold, I will bring you to judgment because you say, “I have not sinned.”’”
Jeremiah condemns stubborn disobedience that often roots itself in youth a refusal to heed God’s voice leads to ruin.

2. Seek God in Your Youth Don’t Wait Until Old Age

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV) urges,

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

This verse highlights the urgency of turning to God early in life. Youth is the season for embracing God’s ways; waiting until old age risks hardness of heart and regret. The Old Testament wisdom literature consistently teaches that spiritual formation is best established early.

Jesus echoes this call to commitment in Matthew 11:29 (ESV):

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
The “yoke” symbolizes submission to God’s teaching a commitment best made when young.

Lamentations 3:27-28 (ESV) says,

“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he has borne it from God.”
This teaches that accepting God’s discipline early in life produces spiritual maturity.

3. Pleasure Chosen in Youth Must Be Accounted for at Judgment

Ecclesiastes 11:9 (ESV) says,

“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 the sight of your eyes. Yet know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

Enjoying life is natural, but Solomon reminds us that God is sovereign and will one day judge our choices. The New Testament also warns of personal accountability:Romans 14:12 (ESV): “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”Matthew 12:36 (ESV): “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

This calls for serious reflection on the consequences of youthful indulgences such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, and selfish pleasure.

4. The Grace of Salvation Demands Serious Commitment

Revelation 22:10-11 (ESV) says,

“And he said to me, ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.’”

This passage underscores the finality of God’s judgment and the separation between the righteous and the wicked. Choosing holiness means committing fully, not wavering or living in compromise.

5. When You Grow Old, You Will Lose Control

John 21:18 (ESV) records Jesus saying to Peter,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

This reminds us that youthful freedom is temporary. Aging brings vulnerability and loss of independence. Therefore, the choices you make now have eternal consequences beyond your physical life.

A Final Exhortation:

So, young person, are you prepared? What are your plans for your youth? Why not turn to your Creator today? Reject worldly desires and fleeting pleasures that only lead to harm and regret.

2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV) exhorts,