The Youth To Be Burden-Bearers
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and
the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one.” [
1 John 2:14
.]
In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God
calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth
to aid in the advancement of His cause. To plan with clear mind and
execute with courageous hand demands fresh, uncrippled energies.
Young men and women are invited to give God the strength of their
youth, that through the exercise of their powers, through keen thought
and vigorous action, they may bring glory to Him and salvation to
their fellow-men.
In view of their high calling, the youth among us should not seek
for amusement or live for selfish gratification. The salvation of souls
is to be the motive that inspires them to action. In their God-given
strength they are to rise above every enslaving, debasing habit. They
are to ponder well the paths of their feet, remembering that where they
lead the way, others will follow.
No one lives to himself; all exert an influence for good or for evil.
Because of this, the apostle exhorts young men to be sober-minded.
How can they be otherwise when they remember that they are to be
co-workers with Christ, partakers with Him of His self-denial and
sacrifice, His forbearance and gracious benevolence?
To the youth of today, as surely as to Timothy, are spoken the
words, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that
[68]
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” “Flee
also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.”
“Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” [
2 Timothy 2:15, 22
;
1 Timothy
4:12
.]
The burden-bearers among us are falling in death. Many of those
who have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted by us
as a people, are now past the meridian of life, and are declining in
55