October 15, 1893

God Wants the Young

EGW

In these days of peril and corruption, the young are exposed to many trials and temptations. Many are sailing in a dangerous harbour. They need a pilot; but they scorn to accept the much-needed help, feeling that they are competent to guide their own bark, and not realizing that it may strike a hidden rock that will cause them to make shipwreck of faith and happiness. They need an unerring counselor, an infallible guide. This they will find in the Word of God. Unless they are diligent students of that Word, they will make grave mistakes, which will mar their happiness and that of others, both for the present and the future life.BEcho October 15, 1893, par. 1

The Bible presents a perfect standard of character. This sacred book, inspired by God; and written by holy men, is a perfect guide under all circumstances of life. It sets forth distinctly the duties of both young and old. If made the guide of life, its teachings will lead the soul upward. It will elevate the mind, improve the character, and give peace and joy to the heart.BEcho October 15, 1893, par. 2

My heart is drawn out for the young. God has given them talents, which, if improved and consecrated, would enable them to be of great service in his cause. But there must first be a transformation of character, an overcoming of obstinacy and self-sufficiency, and a cultivation of kindness and affection. They need to overcome the defects in their characters, if they would become useful workers for God and useful members of society. Many are seeking for happiness, but they know not how to obtain it. If such would find true happiness, their minds must first receive the right discipline. They must learn to have faith and confidence in God. Those who have not learned to subdue self, to control impulse, and to bring themselves into obedience to the principles of the law of God, will not, cannot be happy, or at peace and rest. They need the meekness and lowliness of Christ. They need to learn daily in his school, to wear his yoke, to lift his burdens, to deny inclination, to sacrifice a seeming present good for a future good, a personal advantage for a general advantage. The fountain of content must spring up in the soul. He who seeks happiness by changing his outward surroundings without changing his own disposition, will find that his efforts will produce only fresh disappointments. He carries himself with him wherever he goes. His unrest, his impatience, his uncontrollable thoughts and impulses, are ever present. The great trouble is in himself. Self has been cherished. He has never fallen upon the Rock and been broken. His will has never been trained to submit; his unyielding spirit has never been brought into subjection to the will of God.BEcho October 15, 1893, par. 3

Time is valuable. Now is our time of probation. There is an eternity of bliss to gain a perdition to shun. Do not, my young friends, fritter away your God-given opportunities. Up to duty and to work for the Master! Many of you have lessons to learn that you have not yet dreamed of. The books of heaven reveal many things that you can have blotted from their pages by coming to God with a truly repentant heart, and exercising faith in the blood of Christ as the atoning sacrifice. The life that was once lived in the flesh must now be lived by faith on the Son of God. Lie low at the foot of the cross. Give God a chance to work, and He will teach you precious lessons.BEcho October 15, 1893, par. 4

Ask yourselves the questions, What education am I receiving at the present time? What advancement am I making in the divine life? Some are training in the school of vice and deception, receiving an education that will unfit them for this life and for the future, immortal life. Others are educating themselves for lofty positions, where they may receive the praise and honour of men. Still others are educating themselves in Christ's school, seeking goodness and truth, aiming to meet God's great moral standard of righteousness, and fitting for the high school above. Every day we are learning lessons in good or evil. Every thought cherished, every impulse indulged, leaves its impression on the mind.BEcho October 15, 1893, par. 5

We are under obligations to God to be constantly learning of Christ how to guide and control our thoughts, our feelings, and our passions. O, how fearfully lax we are in our duty to ourselves, in allowing our ideas to be moulded by our own faulty will, and in allowing ourselves to be controlled by circumstances. We must study the pattern, Jesus Christ. Self-culture and divine grace will strengthen us in moral power. Every faculty should be employed to make of us all that Christ has made provision that we should become. How many are losing the balance of their minds for want of heart culture! All goodness commences in the heart.BEcho October 15, 1893, par. 6