The Bible is neither dismissive of young people nor naively optimistic about them. It sets out both the advantages and disadvantages of being young. It clearly expects young people to be involved in church life but it also sees particular dangers for those who are young.
Advantages and potential of youth
God's Word often speaks positively of the young. It never pictures young people as unimportant, expendable or useless. The Old Testament emphasises the bodily strength and vigour of youth. The glory of a young man is his strength (Proverbs 20:29a); ... Youthful vigour ... (Job 20:11); ... lovely young women ... strong young men .... (Amos 8:13). When one is young one's physical and mental potential is usually at its peak. The young should take full advantage of this - the opportunity will not come round again in this life.
There is a balance here, however. The Preacher (Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1) says Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment... banish anxiety ... cast off... troubles ... for youth and vigour are meaningless. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come .... The young should be care free but like everyone else they must remember their Creator. It is no good putting off spiritual matters to some expected later date. Such leisure is never guaranteed. Even the young can die. Remember him - before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken ... (Ecclesiastes 12:6).
We must not idolise youth. It quickly passes. Further, Even young men grow tired and weary and youths stumble and fall. It is those who hope in the LORD who renew their strength (Isaiah 40:30, 31). The vitality and energy of youth is not to be despised but it can be over estimated.
Disadvantages and limitations of youth
The Bible soberly points out the disadvantages and limitations of youth.
The Inevitability of inexperience
Experience does not automatically educate us but its lessons are not available from any other source. Those who are younger need to remember the disadvantage lack of experience inevitably brings. Near his death David spoke with concern for his successor Solomon, My son is young and inexperienced (1 Chronicles 22:5, 29:1). Inexperience brings two opposite temptations: rashness and indecisiveness. Gideon's son disappointed him; when only a boy and afraid he was indecisive and failed to kill the defeated kings as commanded (Judges 8). Solomon's successor, Rehoboam, is described as young and indecisive (2 Chronicles 13:7). When he did come to a decision it was rash and foolish and split the kingdom. In Solomon's case God gave him amazing wisdom to counteract his inexperience. We too need to cry for help. David did the same as a youth, confronted by Goliath. God's Word will especially help us. It gives prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young (Proverbs 1:4). Solomon's Proverbs should prove particularly helpful.
The stipulation of submission
Young men ... be submissive to those who are older (1 Peter 5:5). The young are to learn from the old in the church (Titus 2). Even If you are in authority over an older person you should tread carefully. Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father, Paul tells Timothy (1 Timothy 5:1). This is a traditional area of tension. Think for example of Jesus's instantly recognisable portrait of the prodigal son. The 'generation gap' is not a new problem. Submission is not easy. No doubt that is one reason Paul told Titus to encourage the young men to be self-controlled (2:6). Lamentations 3:26 is classic. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust - there may yet be hope. It can be hard for the young. Afflictions and restrictions may come but patiently borne they will lead to blessing. It is said that oxen over seven cannot be brought under a yoke. If we do not leam patience and discipline when we are young we may never learn them.
The young are to take a definite and active part in the life of God's people
In days gone by it was said that children should be seen but not heard. Certainly the young must submit to their elders and should not push themselves forward. However, that does not mean they cannot do anything until they are 18 or more. Both old and young are to take a full part in God's service. Young men and maidens, old men and children are to praise him (Psalm 148). The young are to 'prophesy and see visions'. Young men were active under the Old Covenant. Moses was assisted by young men in sacrificing and in other tasks (Exodus 24:5, Numbers 11:27); Joshua sent young men into Jericho as spies; David had young men who served him in various ways; Elisha chose a young man to anoint Jehu as king. Do not forget the young girl who spoke to Naaman's wife either.
It is similar under the New Covenant. Young men carried out the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira; the boy Eutychus was present when Paul preached (even though past his bed-time!); John Mark was a significant young figure in the life of the early church. How wonderful to be like Obadiah (1 Kings 18:12) who had worshipped the Lord from his youth. The psalmist too had made God his hope since my youth ... Since my youth O God you have taught me (Psalm 71:5,17). There are plenty of examples of such men: Joseph, Joshua (Moses' assistant from his youth), Samuel (spoken to by God as a boy, a Judge from his youth), David, Daniel and his friends, Timothy. It is important to recognise that, in God's providence, a young man may be placed over his elders in the church {Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king ... Ecclesiastes 4:13). In such situations the young must not become proud and those they serve must not look down on them because they are young (1 Timothy 4:12).
Particular dangers that come to the young
The Bible speaks of 'the sins of youth'. Job speaks of his own (13:26); the psalmist also prays Remember not the sins of my youth (25:7). In 2 Timothy 2:22 Paul writes Flee the evil desires of youth What these sins are is never spelled out. Many suggest sexual sins are in mind but there is no reason to suppose it is confined to this. Four particular temptations face the young, most of which we have touched on.
If you fill your life with sport, entertainment, education, settling down and starting a family, there is always the danger of leaving no time to consider your everlasting soul.
Indulging in sexual impurity
Joseph faced this but successfully resisted. How God honoured him for it - though not immediately. Amnon (2 Samuel 13) utterly failed and brought great grief. The way to purity is through the daily living out of God's precepts (Psalm 119:9). Solomon warns (Proverbs 7) of a youth who lacked judgment. He falls into the clutches of an adulteress like an ox going to the slaughter.
Rebelling and seeking power, riches and worldly success
Here is where Saul fell and Absalom and even Solomon himself, it would seem. Beware of selfish ambition!
Rejecting the advice of wise counsellors
This brings us back to Rehoboam and his rash and fatal decision. Listen to older and wiser Christians.
May God keep young people in our churches from these and similar snares and may he use those of us who are a little older to show them how to live, to the glory of God.
