Youth is precious\u2014especially when it is used rightly. Every place needs the strength of the young: nations depend on young people for labor; Satan desires youth for his evil work; and likewise, the Holy Spirit seeks young people for the work of God.<\/p>\n
Statistics show that between the ages of 13\u201320 is when most people sense the call of God. Ages 21\u201330 are often years of spiritual training, and 30\u201350 are the years of active service. Few are drawn to Christ at forty or fifty; if you come to Him then, you have received great grace. But remember, youth is valuable before God.<\/p>\n
It is in youth that one possesses great spiritual strength\u2014a unique grace given only to the young, not to the old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have written to you, fathers, because you have known 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 wicked one.\u201d \u2014 1 John 2:14<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Just as the physical strength of a nation lies in its youth, so also the Kingdom of God is built by holy young people, for they have been given power! Therefore, YOUTH IS TO BE HIGHLY VALUED.<\/p>\n
At the end of his ministry, the Apostle Paul understood this truth and chose young men for special assignments in building the Kingdom of Heaven\u2014among them Timothy and Titus.<\/p>\n
These were young men Paul trained and sent out. They were likely between 20\u201325 years old, yet they performed great works, causing damage to the kingdom of darkness. Paul even wrote personal letters to them. Timothy was placed over the churches in Asia, and Titus was given authority by the Spirit to appoint elders\u2014men older than himself.<\/p>\n
Imagine\u2014a young man supervising churches and appointing elders! (Read the book of Titus<\/em>.) Timothy also was young, yet entrusted with similar responsibilities (read 1 Timothy 3<\/em>). Paul even instructed them to rebuke and warn older men as fathers.<\/p>\n
But the greatest instruction Paul gave them was this:<\/p>\n
\u201cLet no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.\u201d \u2014 1 Timothy 4:12<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And to Titus, he said:<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.\u201d \u2014 Titus 2:15<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Meaning: when preaching the gospel, do not regard a person\u2019s face or age. Boldly declare, \u201cAll fornicators who do not repent will go to hell!\u201d<\/em> Do not fear that they are older than you. Speak what the Holy Spirit puts in your heart, for it is God who sent you\u2014not them! You will see even those older than you coming to Christ, for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.<\/p>\n
So, do not despise your youth, and let no one despise you. If people look down on you and say, \u201cYou don\u2019t know anything,\u201d ignore them. Preach the Word! There is more of God\u2019s power in youth than in old age\u2014and Satan knows it. That\u2019s why he targets young people to destroy them.<\/p>\n
Paul also warned these young ministers to FLEE YOUTHFUL LUSTS.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.\u201d \u2014 2 Timothy 2:22<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This means youth is full of temptations and desires. Even as a young servant of God, you will face them. But what does the Bible say? \u201cFLEE!\u201d\u2014not \u201cPRAY ABOUT THEM.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is no prayer that will make lust disappear. You don\u2019t pray against fornication, pornography, or drunkenness\u2014you flee!<\/p>\n
If you are in a romantic relationship leading to sin, cut it off. If your friends lure you into sin through their speech or habits, separate yourself. That is what it means to \u201cflee youthful lusts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph did not pray about Potiphar\u2019s wife\u2014he ran away!<\/p>\n
If you are addicted to pornography that leads you to sin, there is no prayer that will save you. Decide to stop. Delete those images from your phone, and if you still struggle, replace your smartphone with a simple one. That\u2019s fleeing from sin!<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you\u2026\u201d \u2014 Matthew 5:30<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Do not let the devil ruin your youth. The age you have now is precious. If you do not wake up today, a time will come when you will regret not serving God while young. Wake up from your sleep!<\/p>\n
May the Lord bless you, young person!<\/p>\n
If you have not given your life to Christ, then your life is still in Satan\u2019s hands. To be outside of Christ is to be against Him, for \u201cHe who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.\u201d \u2014 Matthew 12:30<\/em><\/p>\n
Turn to Christ today. Your youth is valuable in His Kingdom. Many will be transformed through you if you obey Him\u2014and on that day, you will receive the Crown of Life.<\/p>\n
Maranatha!<\/p>\n