Chap. 2 - The Call to Young People
Divine Appointment
The Lord has appointed the youth to be His helping hand.—Testimonies
for the Church 7:64.
With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish,
how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might
be carried to the whole world!—Education, 271.
We have an army of youth today who can do much if they are properly
directed and encouraged. We want our children to believe the truth. We want
them to be blessed of God. We want them to act a part in well-organized plans
for helping other youth. Let all be so trained that they may rightly represent
the truth, giving the reason of the hope that is within them, and honoring
God in any branch of the work where they are qualified to labor.—General
Conference Daily Bulletin, January 29 1893.
Youth in Church Work
Youthful talent, well organized and well trained, is needed in our churches.
The youth will do something with their overflowing energies. Unless these
energies are directed into right channels, they will be used by the youth in
a way that will hurt their own spirituality, and prove an injury to those with
whom they associate.—Gospel Workers, 211.
When the youth give their hearts to God, our responsibility for them does
not cease. They must be interested in the Lord’s work, and led to see that He
expects them to do something to advance His cause. It is not enough to show
how much needs to be done, and to urge the youth to act a part. They must be
taught how to labor for the Master. They must be trained, disciplined, drilled,
in the best methods of winning souls to Christ. Teach them to try in a quiet,
unpretending way to help their young companions. Let different branches of
missionary effort be
30
systematically laid out, in which they may take part, and let them be given
instruction and help. Thus they will learn to work for God.—Gospel Workers,
210.
In Earliest Years
Let the kindness and courtesy of the minister be seen in his treatment of
children. He should ever bear in mind that they are miniature men and women,
younger members of the Lord’s family. These may be very near and dear to
the Master, and, if properly instructed and disciplined, will do service for Him,
even in their youth.—Testimonies for the Church 4:397, 398.
Let not the youth be ignored; let them share in the labor and responsibility.
Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even
the children should be taught to do little errands of love and mercy for those
less fortunate than themselves.—Testimonies for the Church 6:435.
Parents should teach their children the value and right use of time. Teach
them that to do something which will honor God and bless humanity is
worth striving for. Even in their early years they can be missionaries for
God.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 345.
Future Before Youth
Many a lad of today, growing up as did Daniel in his Judean home,
studying God’s word and His works, and learning the lessons of faithful
service, will yet stand in legislative assemblies, in halls of justice, or in royal
courts, as a witness for the King of kings.—Education, 262.
Timothy a Mere Youth When Chosen
Paul saw that Timothy was faithful, steadfast, and true, and he chose
him as a companion in labor and travel. Those who had taught Timothy in
his childhood were rewarded by seeing the son of their care linked in close
fellowship with the great apostle. Timothy was a mere youth when he was
chosen by God to be a teacher; but his principles had been so established by
his early education
31
that he was fitted to take his place as Paul’s helper. And though young, he bore
his responsibilities with Christian meekness.—The Acts of the Apostles, 203,
204.
Reserves to Fill Up the Ranks
The burden-bearers among us are falling in death. Many of those who
have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted by us as a people,
are now past the meridian of life, and are declining in physical and mental
strength. With the deepest concern the question may be asked, Who will fill
their places? To whom are to be committed the vital interests of the church
when the present standard-bearers fall? We cannot but look anxiously upon
the youth of today as those who must take these burdens, and upon whom
responsibilities must fall. These must take up the work where others leave it,
and their course will determine whether morality, religion, and vital godliness
shall prevail, or whether immorality and infidelity shall corrupt and blight all
that is valuable.—Gospel Workers, 68.
Pioneers in Toil and Sacrifice
We must manifest confidence in our young men. They should be pioneers
in every enterprise involving toil and sacrifice, while the overtaxed servants
of Christ should be cherished as counselors, to encourage and bless those
who strike the heaviest blows for God.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 516, 517.
Young men are wanted. God calls them to missionary fields. Being
comparatively free from care and responsibilities, they are more favorably
situated to engage in the work than are those who must provide for the training
and support of a large family. Furthermore, young men can more readily
adapt themselves to new climates and new society, and can better endure
inconveniences and hardships. By tact and perseverance, they can reach the
people where they are.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 517.
Many young men who have had the right kind of education at home are
to be trained for service, and encouraged to lift the standard of truth in new
places by well-planned
