The Christian Home

Three things God
Requires From Youth

Youth are not exempt from obligation to God. Young people cannot say, "I’m excused because I'm young." God has given a direct charge to youth.

God wants you to remember
Him while you are young (Ecc. 12:1).

There are 3 reasons: 1) Youth are teachable. "O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth, and I declare Thy wondrous works" (Psamls 71:17). While you are young, use that ability to learn and develop talents that may later be used to God's glory. Paul praised Timothy because "from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures" (2 Tim. 3:15). 2) Church leaders receive great joy when they see their youth giving their life in service to God. 3) The danger of delaying obedience to God is that you may lose your desire or your opportunity to remember God. Solomon continues by saying "thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." As you get older, having lived a life without remembering God, it is harder to make the decision to serve Him.

Youth are to obey their parents
(Eph. 6:1, Col. 3:20)

I'll give you 6 reasons: 1) The wisdom of the parent is gained. You don't want to learn every lesson of life by experience. You don't have time. Youth must listen to the instruction of others in order to make the best decisions. "A wise son heareth his father's instruction ..." (Prov. 13:1). 2) Your obedience is reciprocal love. From the moment of your birth, and before, your parents have given, given, and given. Youth are unable to provide for themselves life's necessities. It is impossible for youth to pay for all they have received from parents. The obligation you have from God, and it's within your ability, is to obey. That' s reciprocal love, and parents take your debt and write it off as "no charge." 3 ) The habit of obedience is good discipline for the future. Just because you "grow up" does not mean that you are "free" to do whatever you desire.

You will never reach an age in which you do not have to submit to something. All of us still submit to nature, law, employer, government, other's rights, etc. Youth must learn the lesson of submission (obedience) while at home and while the consequences are not so severe. 4) Society is benefited. By learning obedience while young, we will present to society a well behaved citizen. We will not become a burden to society by being a vandal or criminal. "Righteousness exalteth a nation ..." (Prov. 14:34). 5) Obedience now, will develop a future trust. Later in life requests will be granted because you have "earned the right" to be trusted and receive greater responsibility. You will have proven yourself. 6) Obedience is right (Eph. 6:1), and it is pleasing to God (Col. 3:20). Obedience is just the right thing to do. It is one way to "remember God in the days of your youth."

Youth are to honor their parents (Eph. 6:2).

This statement is made in 3 other places (Ex. 20:12, Prov. 23:22, Mal 1:6). This means to hold in high regard, respect, esteem, and it is displayed in word and deed. There are 3 reasons for this: 1) It's a "commandment" (Eph. 6:2). Do it knowing that you are obeying God. 2) "It may be well with thee" (Eph.6:3). I know that it was always better for me when I obeyed and honored my dad. Youth should feel better knowing that they have honored parents. Good behavior usually receives favors from parents. It's reciprocal. 3) "...thou mayest live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:3, Ex. 20:12). Obedient and honorable children are spared the vices that shorten life (Alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, accidents, etc.). I'll close with a quote from an Ann Landers article. "Dear Ann Landers. I'm a 16 year old girl who is a nervous wreck from getting yelled at. All I hear from morning till night is, 'Stop smoking, get off the phone, hang up your clothes, do your homework, clean up your room.' How can I get them off my case? s/Sick of Parents. Dear Sick. Stop smoking, get off the phone, hang up your clothes, do your homework, and clean up your room."

Brian Anderson
Imperial Beach, CA