Youth Discipleship

10-8-2010

Youth Discipleship by Boyd Bailey


“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’…” Ecclesiastes 12:1

The heart of a child, student and young adult is impressionable. Like moist clay in the hands of an artist, it is pliable and moldable. This is the time to train and teach a youthful heart in the ways of Christ. It is on the solid foundation of the Lord’s precepts and principles that life and death make sense. A young memory of God remembers God.

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

His hope is alive and everlasting for the young at heart. We need young people who are world changers, who believe they can make a difference. Those of us who have been around a while need to encourage their zeal for living and their optimism for engaging opportunities and people. Commission them to travel the globe, while being undergirded by the Word of God. The Lord looks to the young of heart to ignite a revival of prayer.

Your opportunities as a young person are staggering. Your greatest leverage will come as you dive deep into your relationship with God and people. Channel your youthful energy and passion toward an intimate love relationship with your Heavenly father. Your earthly father may be distant or non-existent, but God is not. He is there for you 24/7. He longs to walk with you through these days of multiple transitions, challenges and growth.

Do not miss God. Your relationship with Him sets the pace for other relationships. If you want relational security, learn how from the lover of your soul—Jesus. If you want peace in your relationships, then become a student of the Prince of Peace. If you desire to better understand people, then hang out with their Creator who fully understands them. Youth is your asset, not your liability. Do not be ashamed, but be confident in Christ.

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

As an adult you have tremendous influence on youth. It may be formal education, like paying tuition to a school that aligns with your values and beliefs. Maybe you can volunteer at church educating the children and youth. Graduate beyond babysitting, to instilling the truth of God at all levels of childhood and teenage development.

Teach the young to obey God, to love God, and to give away God to others. Memorize Scripture together in song and by writing out His word. Help them learn how to study and understand the Bible. Hang out with them in high adventure and outdoor camp settings. Provide these teachable environments as a laboratory for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Disciple young people early on so that they can be examples for Christ. Their spiritual growth will not happen by accident. Help them to understand “why” they believe “what” they believe. Move them way beyond sterile religion to a robust relationship with Jesus. If the young remember their Creator and follow His ways everyone is successful. Therefore, remember your Creator and lead the youth to do the same. God memories matter most.

“They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer” (Psalm 78:35).

Do I often remember my Creator? What young person can I invest in the ways of God?

Related Readings: Proverbs 22:6; Isaiah 46:9; Ephesians 2:11-13; Titus 2:4