“Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…”
Ecclesiastes 12:1
Today’s young people are faced with many, many challenges. We know that evil runs rampant in the world. It even seems as though youth and children are being targeted by the devil and his dark forces. Abortion rates are high, suicide victims seem to be younger than ever, and deadly drugs are made to look like candy in order to attract children. It is not uncommon to hear of a child being kidnapped or killed by a stray bullet or worse, caught in the middle of an adult altercation.
This verse of scripture from Ecclesiastes reminds us of the importance of teaching our children, grandchildren, neighbors, students and friends about God’s love for them. With a solid foundation and a relationship with the Almighty, children (and adults) have a better chance of surviving this world. It’s never too early to start either!
Showing a child a godly example by the way we live is an excellent way to start building that foundation. Reading Bible stories to them, listening to them, and talking to our children about God’s love for them is crucial. We will help build confidence and self esteem by letting them know that they are important to us, and to God. That will make a difference when they are faced with difficulty.
Most importantly, we need to teach our children to pray. They need to know that they have an advocate with Jesus. (1 John 2:1) Someone on whom all their cares can be given (1 Peter 5:7) Someone that is always there for them and will always hear them. Someone that died for them and can forgive all their wrongdoings and give them salvation, just because He loves them!
As adult Christians we should be moved to do our very best to help this younger generation grow up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We should pray for them, support them, listen to them and teach them about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Their well being will depend on it.