And to the Young Men

Young men – in the past Lord’s Days I have addressed the little children and then their parents.  This morning, I am addressing you in particular, although the applications can go to everyone.  Who are the young men?  I have in mind those who are 15 years and older.

David, either remembering his youth, or writing in his youth, said, “How can a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed according to Your word.  With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!”

The Word regularly commands to our weaknesses – and if you are a young man you are prone to wander – you are most likely in need of some serious cleansing and not just physical – you need to hear the command to take heed to the Word of God – because you forget it and forget about it often.

This is the way God has made and is making young men.  They are growing strong.  They find they can beat up or break down a lot more than they ever could.  Their youth and growth gives them more and more energy and their bodies are telling them to go out and take dominion – they are telling them that they can and that they should.

All of this energy – all of this strength – all of this confidence – all of these new opportunities – and where is the wisdom young man, where is the wisdom?

If you do not take heed according to God’s Word, if you do not seek it with all of your heart, if you do not acknowledge your sins and your temptations honestly before God, if you do not die to all of what God has given to you so that you do not make it an idol, you will die in the things God has given to you.  That which has been granted to you as gift will become a curse.

But if you see everything that has been given to you and all that you are becoming and will become – and if you lay it all out before the Lord in the light of His Word – He will grant You wisdom and He will bless the labor of your hands.  He will teach you through fiery trials how to walk through temptations and come out stronger, wiser, and more devoted to Him – and more thankful.  Come and worship your God.  Come and die.  Come and take up your cross and follow Jesus.  He will be more than life to you – and you will slay dragons with Him.