Today, I want to focus on a theme that resonates with all of us, regardless of our age: “Remembering God in the Days of Your Youth.”
Last week, we explored the concept of bearing fruit in old age. Some of you expressed that the message didn’t quite apply to you, not considering yourselves old. So, let’s shift our focus to the younger generation. In Ecclesiastes, we find wisdom that speaks to those in their youth. The preacher, possibly Solomon, offers profound advice: rejoice in youth, remove sorrows and evil, remember God, and reflect upon what is to come. These four pillars—rejoice, remove, remember, and reflect—form the crux of today’s sermon.
First, let’s acknowledge the joy and vibrancy of youth. Young people are encouraged to rejoice in their youth to embrace happiness and the zest for life. However, alongside this rejoicing, there’s a call for responsibility. The preacher advises removing sorrows and evil from one’s youth, an appeal to steer clear of paths that lead to regret.
The most crucial counsel here is to “remember God in your youth.” This isn’t about dampening the spirit of youth but about embedding a deep-seated reverence for God from an early age. Why is this so important? For one, youth offers no guarantee of the future. Death, disease, and unexpected life events do not discriminate by age. Young lives are just as susceptible to unforeseen endings as any other. Remembering God in youth prepares one for any eventuality, ensuring a life lived in alignment with divine will.
Another compelling reason to remember God early in life is the eventual judgment we all face. The scripture warns of a day when Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Those unprepared, including the young, will face the consequences of their choices. Therefore, preparing for the future, spiritually speaking, is a sign of maturity and wisdom.
A life spent in disregard of God’s teachings can lead to a troubled future. The Bible warns of the principle of reaping what you sow. Choices made in youth—whether they involve rebellion, dishonesty, theft, fornication, or substance abuse—have long-lasting repercussions. These missteps can erode trust, damage relationships, and close doors to future opportunities.
Conversely, a youth spent in remembrance of God can be a source of blessings. A young person who respects authority, controls their impulses, and obeys the gospel lays a solid foundation for the future. This path leads to a life of fruitfulness, a good reputation, and a reservoir of pleasant memories.
So, how does one embody this wisdom? By learning to respect authority, starting from the home. By learning to control the body, as Paul did. By obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ, through hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized. By growing spiritually and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. And by becoming an example to others in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
The choice is yours. Remembering God in your youth is a decision that no one can make for you. It’s an invitation to make the right choices early on, ensuring a life that is not only pleasing to God but also fulfilling and enriching for you. If you’re yet to make this choice, why not start now? If you’re already on this path, continue to seek God’s guidance and wisdom. And if you feel the need to realign your life with God’s teachings, this is the moment. Reflect on where you stand with God and what steps you need to take to ensure a life that remembers and honors Him from youth to old age.
