THE EXEMPLARY YOUTH

For the cycle of man's fleeting life, like the cycle of the revolving year, has its succession of seasons -- its springtime of childhood, its summer of youth, its autumn of maturity, and its winter of old age. The season of youth is a very glad and glorious time. It has all the freshness of spring and all the fertility of summer. Yet it is a season of great and frequent perils (Bible Illustrator NT).

Youthfulness is accompanied by vigor and vision which is an attractive tool for the enemy (devil). For this reason we fight battles with the devil that we cannot afford to lose because at the old age when we would realize that all is vanity, we would no longer have the strength neither the vision(Acts 2:17).

The Bible spoke about “The Exemplary Youth” that uses his strength to win the battle against the devil rather than use it for the work of the devil.

1 John 2:13 (TLB)

…And you young men, I am talking to you because you have won your battle with Satan…

“The Exemplary Youth” that has the word of God embedded in his heart therefore has the capacity to overcome the lust of the flesh (craving for sensual gratification) and the lust of the eyes (greedy longings of the mind) and the pride of life (assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things)- Mark 10:19:22.

1 John 2:14 (TLB)

…and to you young men who are strong with God's Word in your hearts, and have won your struggle against Satan..

“The Exemplary Youth” that knows that life is good to be enjoyed but also aware that at the end of it all he has to report back to only one person- GOD.

Ecclesiastes 11:9 (THE MESSAGE)

You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.

“The Exemplary Youth” whose relationship with Christ is demonstrated by obedience to the word of God.

Psalms 119:9 (NIV)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

“The Exemplary Youth” that knows that maturity is demonstrated through righteousness, faith, love obtained through relationship with those that have pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22(TLB)

Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts.

Are you an Exemplary Youth??!!!