Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed therto according to thy word. Psm. 119:9

What is more inspiring than a young man or woman standing for Jesus in holiness and righteousness? Who could possibly be more instrumental for Jesus and truth than a young person wholly dedicated to His cause? The youth has potentiality that far exceeds that of the adults. They have health, vigor, strength and the proper approach that the older people do not possess to meet the demands of this closing age. These statements are not intended to set aside the older people or to disqualify them for service as they too have a very important place to fill in God's cause and Kingdom. The above remarks are facts and it would be well if all of us would take notice in all fairness that there is a definite move among the youth in both natural and spiritual affairs.

The Lord speaks to every boy and girl in the words of Solomon: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth . . . . (Eccl. 12:1) It is the will of God that the youth surrender to Him now! First, because even the youth die and they too must have His blood upon their souls to be saved. Second, because Jesus has need of our children in His church! Why spend the days of youth for the devil and in the end blow the smoke of a wasted life in the face of God and say, "Have mercy on me." Yes, it is true that Jesus can and will save the old and young and give them the same salvation (the same plan is for old and young) if they will come to Him on the terms of the gospel. (Acts 2:38-39)The heart of the youth is tender! They in most cases if handled correctly will respond and then work with zeal and vigor. The Bible tells us of a time that the word of the Lord was precious and there was no open vision. The lamp of God went out in the temple! Eli had failed to restrain his sons in their sins. (1st. Sam. 3) We are told that "the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord . . ." Because he ministered to the Lord we are told that the Lord called Samuel . . . The child answered and said, "Speak for thy servant heareth." It was then that God told this young man that He would do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth shall tingle. We are giving you this portion of the scripture to point out how God in times past has used the young when the adults had failed! We wish to say that in this age Jesus will use greatly the boy or girl fully submitted to His will.

Let us remember the challenge of Goliath, a champion of the Philistines . . . "Give me a man, that we may fight together" was his defiance! (1st. Sam. 17) God's cause was at stake on this occasion! There wasn't one man in Israel to be found that was able to fill the gap and accept the challenge! King Saul was afraid and all his soldiers likewise. Goliath said, "I defy the armies of Israel this day . . . " What a challenge, What an opportunity? Little David on a mission to see how his older brother was doing in battle heard this evil man as he presented his challenge. David desired to fight this Philistine and take away the reproach from Israel. He asked, Is there not a cause? His own brethren found fault and called him naughty and accused him of being there only to watch the battle! This was untrue, he had God's cause to heart and it grieved him to see the soldiers as they fled from the face of a man! Saul said, "thou art but a youth, and he a man of war . . . " (1st. Sam. 17:33) David explained how he smote the lion and how God delivered him out of the paw of the bear . . . and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them. The following verses will show how little David, though young and tender, he fought and won the battle! The same faith would have given victory to any of the other soldiers in Saul's army but it was found only in this youth!

Untold possibilities are before the youth today! Spiritual Goliaths are rising every day to challenge the church of the living God. Many soldiers in the church are running for fear even as the soldiers of Saul ran from Goliath. Very soon the man of sin (Beast) will rise to challenge the armies of God . . . Who will be the David to meet Him with God's Name (Jesus) to take away the reproach and show the people that the battle belongs to Jesus. We as the older saints of God must see the potential in our youth and realize that they are the leaders and teachers of tomorrow. We must see that it will be them and not us that God will use!

The rich young ruler came running to Jesus, and kneeled before Him asking the way of life. (Mark 10:17) To me one of the most striking things of this occasion was the fact that "Jesus beholding him loved him . . . " (ver. 21) Yes, it is true that Jesus loves the old too, but can't you see a little extra here? We see a young man before God in prayer and asking the requirements of eternal life. Jesus "loved him" and told him the way. Notice the life the rich young ruler said he was living.......... All the commandments have I observed from my youth." Jesus told him that he lacked one thing and at this the young man sadly walked away. He was unwilling to surrender that one and last thing! How many churches would have gladly in this day received this fine educated and clean young man? In many churches he would have made a fine deacon, preacher, etc. . . He had a great potential but in God's sight he was unwilling to pay the full price! Young people, Jesus is calling for you as well as the old to make the complete surrender and yield yourself wholly to Him and His service.

God said that it was good for a young man to bear the yoke in his youth. (Lam. 3:27) Paul told Timothy, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1st. Tim. 4:12) In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works . . .(Tit. 2: 7) Young people, in this day when the youth is sitting in the lead in high government places, in the time when God's Spirit is being poured out on sons and daughters, let me advise you to launch out and give yourself without reservation to Jesus Christ and His church. The glory of a young man is his strength . . . (Prov. 20:29). You have the difference, if you have Jesus in your heart! Joseph was only thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh . . . (Gen. 41:38-46) God used him to save Israel from starvation! Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years . . . (2nd. Chron. 24:1)

Josiah was eight years old when he begin to reign and God used him for thirty years. (2nd. Chron. 34:1-2) The Bible says he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. This is the qualification for spiritual success and victory! Do that which is right in God's sight and all hell and it's demons cannot defeat you! Man cannot seriously hinder you if you will keep Jesus first in your life. Let me urge our youth to seek Jesus early and find your place in Him and then do the things required with all your might. Remember, when Jesus was twelve He was about His Father's business! God spoke to Jeremiah when he was only a child (Jer. 1:4-7) He is the same God today and He is able to equip you with the spiritual armour to defeat the enemy and give you the victory. Young people, be a worker for Jesus as it is later than you think.