Chapter 261—The Youth Need It
Thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71:5
.
There are among us many young men and women who are not ignorant
of our faith, yet whose hearts have never been touched by the power of divine
grace. How can we who claim to be the servants of God pass on day after day,
week after week, indifferent to their condition? If they should die in their
sins, unwarned, their blood would be required at the hands of the watchmen
who failed to give them warning.
Why should not labor for the youth in our borders be regarded as
missionary work of the highest kind? It requires the most delicate tact, the
most watchful consideration, the most earnest prayer for heavenly wisdom.
The youth are the objects of Satan’s special attacks; but kindness, courtesy,
and the sympathy which flows from a heart filled with love to Jesus, will
gain their confidence, and save them from many a snare of the enemy.
The youth need more than a casual notice, more than an occasional word
of encouragement. They need painstaking, prayerful, careful labor.... Often
those whom we pass by with indifference, because we judge them from
outward appearance, have in them the best material for workers, and will
repay all the efforts bestowed on them.
Seventh-day Adventist parents should more fully realize their
responsibilities as character builders. God places before them the privilege
of strengthening His cause through the consecration and labors of their
children. He desires to see gathered out from the homes of our people a large
company of youth who, because of the godly influences of their homes, have
surrendered their hearts to Him, and go forth to give Him the highest service
of their lives. Directed and trained by the godly instruction of the home, the
influence of the morning and evening worship, the consistent example of
parents who love and fear God, they have learned to submit to God as their
Teacher, and are prepared to render Him acceptable service as loyal sons and
daughters. Such youth are prepared to represent to the world the power and
grace of Christ.
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