320
Messages to Young People
Paul, writing to Titus, exhorts the youth to sobriety: “Young men
likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a
pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of
the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
I entreat the youth, for their souls’ sake, to heed the exhortation
of the apostle. All these gracious instructions, warnings, and reproofs
will be either a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.
The young are naturally inclined to feel that not much responsi-
bility, caretaking, or burden-bearing is expected of them. But upon
every one rests the obligation to reach the Bible standard. The light
that shines forth in privileges and opportunities, in the ministry of the
word, in counsels, warnings, and reproofs, will perfect character, or
will condemn the careless. This light is to be cherished by the young
as well as by those who are older. Who will now take their stand for
God, determined to give His service the first place in their lives? Who
will be burden-bearers?
[369]
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Jesus desires
the service of those who have the dew of youth upon them. He wants
them to be heirs of immortality. They may grow up into noble manhood
and womanhood, notwithstanding the moral pollution that abounds,
that corrupts so many of the youth at an early age. They may be free
in Christ; the children of light, not of darkness.
God calls upon every young man and young woman to renounce
every evil habit, to be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord. They need not remain in indolence, making no effort to
overcome wrong habits or to improve the conduct. The sincerity of
their prayers will be proved by the vigor of the effort they make to
obey God’s commands. At every step they may renounce evil habits
and associations, believing that the Lord, by the power of His Spirit,
will give them strength to overcome.
Faithfulness in Little Things
Individual, constant, united efforts will be rewarded by success.
Those who desire to do a great deal of good in our world must be
willing to do it in God’s way, by doing little things. He who wishes