“I have written unto your fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:14)
The continued emphasis on strength is felt by the young men and women of our age. It is significant that honest men everywhere expect the best from their young people. It is also significant that the Lord has the right to expect the young to be examples of the believers. The apostle Paul wrote Timothy and said, “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.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
It is a very weak young man or woman who uses youth as an excuse for sinning. If young people profess to be Christians and ye follow the examples of some adults in neglecting the example of the believers, they may blame the adults, but number one blame rests upon themselves.
It is high time that young men and women who know the truth that can make them free (John 8:32) obey that truth (Romans 10:16; Hebrews 5:8–9) and start setting the standards for the rest of the world!
Young people, who tells you how to dress, and how to comb your hair and where to go for recreation or how to talk or how to act in company? Does God do this through His word, or do you listen to the voice sin that comes from the very scum that Christianity would lead you away from?
So you, young people are dissatisfied with the way things are! That is good! But what is OUR solution? We should all realize, regardless of our age, we are responsible to God when we know His will to DO it. If we neglect the salvation offered by the Son of God, let us not feel sorry for ourselves when we find that we are suffering the consequences of our sins. (Galatians 6:7–9)
-Glenn Ramsey, Professor of Religious Education
