Young People
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. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9 (ESV)
When is the label young people appropriate? At what age do we consider children to be young people? Technically, they are juveniles from birth to eighteen years of age. We call them infants, babies, toddlers, littles, adolescents, pre-teens, teenagers and then comes the magic words—young adults.
We tend to forget that even a new born is a young person. As I am bombarded with Facebook announcements of college, high school and pre-K graduations, I am so happy to have been a part of these young people’s lives. Hopefully I had an impact.
Remember our graduations and how we thought we knew it all? Life was carefree, friends were plentiful, and there were new and exciting adventures awaiting us every day. What happened? Life. We grew up. After seven decades I realize how much I don’t know about living—close to Him.
The future of America rests upon the shoulders of each of young person. Now that is a scary thought! What are we doing to get them ready to face this broken world?
Mentoring our young people is a good beginning. While they seem to think they are invincible, we must let them know that all their actions have consequences—good or bad. Of course, free will tells them to have fun while they can. Remind them that there is always a price to pay.
We have all lived a few years now and I wonder how many of us would like to re-do our youthful activities. Knowing what we know now, would we do the same things? My initial response to these questions is NO! But then I must realize that all my poor choices and His forgiveness have molded me into the person that I am today. Ponder that one!
Our young people cannot see 70 years ahead. They can’t even grasp the weekend ahead. They are not yet equipped for the future. Life teaches them as they go. We are to lead the way.
What would you say to the youth of America today?
Almighty God, thank You for showing us the way. Help us to be willing to guide our young people onto Your path, to speak Your love into their hearts, and to lead them to You—the only real Truth. AMEN.