In the book of Ecclesiastes we read the following wise counsel: “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…” (Ecclesiastes 12: 1). This passage draws attention to the advantages of youth. Included among these are the energy, resourcefulness, openness, optimism, and willingness to learn that come with youth. Beyond that, our young people have the shortest part of their lives behind them, and the greatest part still ahead. 

This is all well and good, but does not ultimately profit as much as it could unless one “remembers” God in this time of life too! The Lord is always here for us. After all, it is He who provides everything we have. It is also vital to remember the sacrifice that the Son of God has brought for us. And He does not expect us to pay Him back by dying for Him, but rather wishes us to live for His cause.

It is wonderful when a young person bears this in mind and responds to the Lord by saying, “Here I am, Lord! I am at your service!” In Lamentations 3: 27, prophet Jeremiah advises that “it is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.” In other words, when these youthful gifts are harnessed into the work of the Lord, they begin to make a difference, not only for His cause, but also for each individual young person. Indeed, such an investment serves primarily to enrich those who make it! The more they serve, the more they will realise how rich they are in Christ. 

However, this is something that must be taught, and that is where all the rest of us come in. One of the things we can do to help is to encourage this attitude in the example we set, the advice we give, and the prayers we utter. Let us also make room for our youth to grow in our congregations, and let us actively encourage and promote their involvement. How fantastic when the more mature, experienced, and established members can take one of these precious souls “under their wing” and patiently mentor them for a particular task in church! This enriches both the congregation and each one of us as individuals.

The triune God has seen to it that we are already rich. Let us all do our part to reciprocate His loving care by being there for Him too. The wonderful thing about such an approach is that we will all only become richer in the process!