From my vantage point, there has
never been a generation with such a fantastic future as the youth of
today. They have greater opportunities
for learning, greater tools to help accomplish goals (i.e. computer, internet,
etc.); and, thanks to a tense world situation, a greater motivation to
accomplish something constructive.
The tragedy of all this is that
too many of our youth are sacrificing their fantastic future for the fun-filled
present, which leads me to a portion of scripture found in Matthew
25:14-30. Jesus is speaking about a
future kingdom. In this prophetic story
He lays out three principles for success that every young person ought to apply
to his life; and parents should help their own children with the application of
these principles.
Principle #1. We start as servants before God makes us
rulers. Matthew 25:21, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” God’s pattern has always been to start at the
bottom and work up. We appreciate what
we work for a whole lot more than what is handed to us. (I have seen that over the years.) Joseph certainly started at the bottom. He was a servant in Potiphar’s house, worked
up through the system (through God’s intervention), and became the governor of
Principle #2. We start with a few things before we are
entrusted with many things. Matthew
25:21b, “Thou hast been faithful over a
few things, I will make thee ruler over many.” Let me tell you about a British youth who
lived a century ago. He was saved at the
age of 15 and immediately began to serve the Lord by passing out tracts around
his neighborhood. When he was 16, he
taught a Sunday School class. At age 17
he pastored a small church of about 40 members.
As he was faithful year-by-year, the congregation grew; and at the age
of 30, Charles Spurgeon was speaking before thousands each Sunday. He was faithful with a few and God blessed
him with much.
Principle #3. We start with work before we experience joy. While I do believe in having fun, service is spelled: W–O–R–K. It is no fun to learn Algebra equations or musical scales; but once you learn them, you have opened the door to enjoyment.
May God bless you as you apply these principles of success for your fantastic future.
What to do:
✞ Help your children to both understand and apply the above principles.
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