We have a number of wonderful young people in this church, but their number is not as great as it ought to be. Too many of our young people have parents who are not spiritually vigilant for the spiritual well-being of the precious charge entrusted to them by the Lord. It is truly unfortunate that the example of adults is not one that is worthy of emulation by their children
Yet, every now and then, something really good happens with our young people. When this happens, we need to acknowledge it. It may be as simple as encouraging (with cards and letters) the achievements and awards of a young man or young woman who has completed a milestone in education, joined the military, or is struggling with newfound faith against the influences that would destroy him or her.
On the other hand, it might involve noticing that some young person who has not been in regular attendance is exhibiting signs of interest and is in attendance whenever possible. When is the last time YOU turned around and made positive eye-contact with a young visitor (positive eye-contact is defined as a simple glance, with maybe a wink attached, that does not dwell upon the newness or youthfulness of the person being observed).
This is especially true when that young person is not yet a Christian – then, as perhaps at no other time in his/her young life, a friendly word of encouragement is appropriate. By the way, please DON’T say, "Say, kid. Don’t ya know ya need to get yore act together, put on some proper clothes and get yerself baptized." I cringe whenever I hear some well-intentioned (but still a buffoon) brother or sister speak so irreverently and insultingly to visitors or young people.
Most young Christian have no idea of their potential in the Lord. It is easy for them to be swept into peer-shared activities at school or in hobbies, never realizing that similar peer-shared activities are abundant within a spiritual context, also.
The apostle Paul wrote, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:12). It may appear that in these areas which Timothy, as a young adult was to give attention, he would be hard-pressed to do so, but I suggest Paul’s emphasis is on the very things for which young people are particularly suited to have a good, positive influence within their families among their peers and in the church. Let’s examine each of these points:
We live in a era which seems to breed ill-spoken young people. The language of modern music and in some cases, an entire genre of musical expression, is given to profane, intentionally offensive and shocking lyrics. Yet, when young people recognize these dangers and are sensitive to how such cultural phenomenon can invade their one thought and speech patterns, choosing to restrain the lips from speaking profanity, everybody takes notice that this person is the exception to the rule, and they listen even more to what such young people have to say.
It is difficult for many young people to understand the direct relationship between how they act and how others treat them. Young people are struggling for recognition and a voice in the discussions of life, but when their conduct does not befit the exalted recognition for which they seek, they feel that nobody cares about them. In reality, your conduct directly affects how others treat you and whether or not they are willing to listen to what you have to say. It is easy for a young person to lose sight of the fact that "people don’t care what you know, until they know that you care." When you show the world that you care what they think about you, your actions, your speech, your presentation before, the world will beat a path to your door to hear what you have to say.
Love is sometimes difficult for young people to understand, but they know it when they find it! True, there can be a lot of cruelty among young people, as it is among adults. This is unfortunate, but it is reality. On the other hand, there is a simplicity-some call it naiveté-in young people that makes them particularly susceptible to feelings of love (we old folks call it, "puppy love") as well as quite expressive of their own deep, inner feelings of love.
Sensitive young people are wonderful with older people and the handicapped. They have genuine feelings for how others feel, and although we sometimes don’t see that, it’s there, nonetheless. Young people, you have a LOT to teach us older folks about accepting, sacrificing love; don’t hide it…let it shine!
Unfortunately, some older people are reluctant to express faith. I suppose it makes them feel less adult or perhaps more vulnerable, but young people can be quick to grasp the implications of even difficult scriptures and they are often very willing to move in obedience to the Lord, even when we who teach them think they should move slower.
I’ve puzzled over why we seem to lose so many young people who come to the Lord in faith. Although much of the fault can be attributed to the busy and harried lives of modern young people, I am convinced that a huge part of the problem is that the teaching stops when the youthful have been baptized, and that is an issue for older people to take ownership of. It is our job to teach younger people and when elders, teachers or preachers fail in that task, the results are disastrous!
We see so much impurity in the lives of modern young people that it is easy for us to overlook those who are not pressing the limits. Yet, churches are literally full and running over with young people who are not sexually active, do not dress immodestly, and do not partake of the illicit chemicals (such as alcohol and other drugs) that seem to be so prevalent. We need to take note of those who are struggling against all odds to be good Christians, responsible young people, and obedient children. We need to catch them doing well, instead of always catching them doing wrong.
Yes, there is still more to be done; more young people to teach, and still more young people to bring to the knowledge of the truth. When God says, "Whom will I send, and who will go for Us?" (Isaiah 6:8), will you have the same answer as Isaiah?