Some of the world's greatest accomplishments have been done by young men and women. Alexander the Great became king before he was thirty years old. Some of the great works of Shelley, Byron, Keats, Chopin, and Mozart were composed when they were teenagers. Hitler and Mussolini built their power on the dedication and energy of young people. Today, Communists make their strongest sales pitch to youth, because they know of the influence and dedication of the young. Now, much of the mission work of the church is being done by young adults. And the church needs consecrated young people. Times are perilous and our cause is the greatest that the world has ever known. The very hope of the human race lies in wise youth committed to high principles. Young people need the church - they need Christ. Those who are indifferent to the way of the Lord are inviting sorrow on their lives and souls. Jesus says to young and old alike, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).
Here are ten things that you can do to serve God and gain life's greatest blessing:
Christ commands us to believe in Him (John 8:24), to repent of our sins (Acts 2:38), to confess His name (Matthew 10:32-33), and to be baptized into Him for the remission of our sins (Romans 6:3-6). Study Tape # 46, "How Can a Man Be justified With God?", for further information about this most important step. Every young person who can understand these commands should obey them. There is nothing you will ever do that will mean so much to you in coming years.
If you like a real challenge, the challenge of conquering our own will is life's greatest, for sin is easy. Besides the personal satisfaction that moral purity brings, it brings also the blessings of God (Matthew 5:8).
True greatness 14,es in spiritual things. Emphasize prayer, study, and righteousness, and they will bless you. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul"' (Matthew 16:26). Those who follow Christ learn how to do good unto all men, even their enemies. Their lives radiate the beauty of his way (Matthew 5:14-16). Christianity brings peace with God, peace with others, and peace within.
Christ has commanded His disciples to take the gospel to everyone. You can be a soul-winner. And nothing enlarges one's faith and spiritual capacity like teaching the lost.
You CAN get a Christian education if you really want to. Your doing so will help you in a thousand ways. A Christian college education will help you to be the best and most productive citizen possible in God's kingdom.
The New Testament strongly commands honest and honorable work (I Thessalonians 4:11,12). The Christian life is not that of a parasites but one of industry and service.
Next to obeying the gospel of Christ, the greatest favor you will ever do yourself is to build a Christian home. When you marry, MARRY A CHRISTIAN.
The church needs every competent leader and teacher that it can get. Develop your talents for Christian leadership by the sincere and zealous practice of spiritual responsibilities. Be USEFUL in the Lord's service.
Everyone bears a burden. When we help bear other's burdens and encourage them in Christ's walk, we fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
(Read Revelations 2:10) Many perils will beset your pathway. Temptations and disappointments came to the Lord and they will also come to you. And all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer some persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), but God calls us to a life that man cannot destroy and to treasures that are eternal. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Keep your faith and it will keep you. There is great potential in your life. May God bless you as you develop it in His service.