What
are the spiritual needs of our youth? What do they need in their lives that can
help them to bear spiritual fruit and be ready to go to heaven after their
earthly journey ends? I do not have a magic wand that can guarantee 100%
spiritual success, but here are five fundamental needs of today’s young saints.
(1)
To see good examples from adult Christians – Paul told the brethren in
Philippi, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in
me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). We
who are older owe it to our younger brothers and sisters to set the same kind
of example that Paul did. As the same apostle instructed Titus, “in all
things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7), so our
lives ought to be an exemplary model for our youth. As we teach them God’s
truth, we must also live it in our own lives (Romans 2:21-23).
(2)
To be loved –
That is a basic human need at each stage and age of life. Our youth may never
directly say to us, “Please love me,” but, in fact, they have a tremendous need
to be on the receiving end of agape love – the kind of love that wants what is
best for them. They need to know that we really care for them, yes, that we “will
very gladly spend and be spent” for them (2 Corinthians 12:15). They
deserve to be encouraged and complimented for good efforts. Because our heart
truly longs for them to have the most fruitful life in Jesus (Colossians 1:10),
we must be committed to telling them what they need to hear for their personal
and spiritual development. That includes discipline in two phases: first,
education about proper conduct in God’s sight, and second, when needed, a word
or action that warns or rebukes. Jesus rebukes and chastens those whom He loves
(Rev.
3:19). There
are times when our youth need “tough love,” but let us always approach them
with respect and compassion.
(3)
To be given opportunities to use and develop their talents – Servants of
the Lord, at every age level, have abilities. As the Parable of the Talents
shows us (Matthew 25:14-30), our Lord wants us to use for His glory the
abilities and blessings which He has placed in our hands. Yes, He wants us to
be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:1). Like those of us whose youthful days
are a distant memory, young saints need to use and develop their talents. That
takes time. It also takes experience, but one cannot gain experience unless
he/she is granted opportunities. Let us make our greatest effort to get our
youth involved in the work of the local church – involved in visiting widows,
performing tasks around the church building, reaching out to members who have
left their first love, distributing literature, leading in worship (if
brothers), helping teach kids, and many other aspects of the Kingdom. Let us
take time to work with them and train them. It will pay great dividends both
now and in the future.
(4)
To develop close friendships with other faithful members of the Lord’s church – Studies
indicate that when young disciples of Jesus have a close friendship with not
just one, but several other young saints, they have a much higher probability
of remaining faithful to the Lord through the trials of life that inevitably
will come their way. While “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1
Corinthians 15:33), it is equally true that close camaraderie with those of “like
precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) can be a wonderful leavening factor, provide
encouragement, and even supply “positive peer pressure” to keep a person from
making foolish choices. Parents, you are making an invaluable investment in
your child’s future when you provide him and his close Christian friends with
opportunities to spend time together.
(5)
To develop their own personal faith –This is the key, brethren. It is not
simply of major importance, it is the key! The Bible says that what
overcomes the world is our faith (1 John 5:4). The just/righteous live
and please God by faith (Hebrews 10:38,39). Since faith is produced by hearing
God’s word (John 17:20; Romans 10:17), then this must be the focus of our
efforts! We must get our youth into God’s Book – teach them, indoctrinate them,
ground them in the truth. The four matters that I have already mentioned above
will be of no value unless a young sister or brother develops her/his own
faith; not an inherited faith, but a personal faith that is a blend of
conviction and trust that leads to obedience.
Do
you know what? As I look over the above
list of five things that I scribbled down today, I realize that even though I
am closer to 40 years of age than I am to 20 years , I have a lot in common
with my youthful sisters and brothers – my spiritual needs are basically the
same as theirs. That is correct. While I may have to face somewhat different
challenges at this stage of my life, in reality, if I am going to serve my Lord
faithfully, then my spiritual needs must be met – the very same needs that our youth
have. Hmm, I
must be special, too! Let us pray for our youth and support their efforts to
live for the living God.
Read
edited adopted by
Moses Njoroge
Gitonga.
A passionate youth
mentor And a Motivational speaker
A Youth Ambassador
(Laikipia County)
Founder Destiny
Shapers Mentorship Program.
A Youth director.
Rights by Dr. C
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