God appears to be very understanding and loving when youth and lifestyle are spoken of in the Bible. As a young person, God knows that you will make mistakes and even rebel. In fact, God’s plan is entirely based on mankind making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. God knows that people learn best through trial and error. However, knowing that doesn’t mean we should abuse God’s love and understanding. In Psalms 25:7, David writes, “Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” Here, David asks for forgiveness much like we should once we realize that we have committed a sin.
To many, youth implies less responsibility. In regards to society and the world, this is usually true. Many youth are cared for by their parents. They don’t have to support a family or make important life decisions. However, God holds youth to a higher moral and spiritual standard. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Even if you are young, having knowledge of what God would have you do, gives you responsibility that other young people don’t have. Jesus even uses children as examples to adult followers due to certain characteristics that many adults lose. In Luke 18:17 Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Much like how children have a complete trust in their parents, we must also have that same trust in God our Father.
Making the right choice when we are young can have a lasting impact on the course of our lives. Ecclesiastes 12:1 states, "Remember your Creator while you are young, before the bad times come–before the years come when you say, 'I have wasted my life.'" When someone decides early in life to serve the Lord, their life is naturally very productive and accomplishes many good things. The Lord really loves to see young people devoted to Him and living a dedicated lifestyle. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” – James 3:13
Never forget that God truly loves you. He wants the best for each and every one of us. By living a Godly life and following in the footsteps of Jesus, we may gain wisdom and understanding of how to be the best we can be in this world. On the other hand, if we live by the standards of the world, life will be more difficult and less fulfilling. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16.
