Youth, Set an Example

Youth, Be Good Examples

Shelby G. Floyd

April 2, 2007

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"

–Ecclesiastes 12:1

Young people need to learn to serve. Learning to have the heart of a servant as a young person is good training in being a servant in adult life.

As in all matters, Jesus is our best example of serving others: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When Jesus humbled himself and washed the disciples feet, doing the work of a servant, he said to the disciples who had refused to do such a lowly task: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Washing each others feet is not an act of hospitality in our culture, but both young and old can serve as, or (in the same manner) as Christ. Jesus did not hold on to equality with God at all costs, “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7).

In a day when the lifestyle of some young people is disgusting, it is refreshing to see youth who are setting good examples for their peers. This is biblical, for Paul advised young Timothy to be a good example: “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

We also commend the parents and teachers of young people who set good examples of serving the Lord, who are dedicated to the Lord and sound teaching. You are doing a good work that will pay great dividends in the future. Almost everything we are as adults was formed in our youth. May God bless his church, in that our youth will have good memories of home life, school life, and church life. This will be the case when we take seriously the teaching of Paul to Titus: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good...” (Titus 2:6-7).