Thoughts for Young Men

1. The Urgent Reality: Few Young Men Live for God, and Time is Short

I shudder to think how few young men are led by the Spirit, how few are on that narrow road which leads to life, how few are setting their affections on things above, how few are taking up the cross, and following Christ.

A painful fact. It is a sad observation that a disproportionately small number of young men appear to be genuine Christians. Ministers, parents, and even law enforcement often point to young men as the group causing the most anxiety and trouble, frequently found in places of sin and rarely seen actively pursuing faith. This widespread spiritual apathy among youth is a serious concern, highlighting a critical need for exhortation.

Time is fleeting. Despite their perceived strength and vitality, young men are not exempt from death and judgment. Statistics show that many die between the ages of thirteen and twenty-three, and life is inherently uncertain for everyone. Delaying serious consideration of eternal matters until "tomorrow" or a "more convenient time" is a dangerous gamble, as these moments may never arrive.

Judgment is sure. Every young man will face God's judgment for their actions. Living carelessly, as if death were distant and accountability non-existent, is the height of folly. The call to be serious about one's soul is not just for the old or weak, but for all, especially the young who often live with a false sense of invincibility.

2. Youth Shapes Destiny: Your Choices Now Determine Your Future

By the character of the young man, we may generally judge what he will be when he grows up.

Planting time. Youth is the foundational period of life, the season when character is molded and habits take root. Just as the quality of a tree is determined by its sapling stage, a person's future trajectory is largely set by the choices and patterns established in their youth. Attempting to live a life of sin now and easily turn to God later is a dangerous and often impossible endeavor.

Habits have power. Habits, whether good or bad, become deeply ingrained over time, like stones rolling downhill that gain speed and become uncontrollable. The longer sin is allowed to settle in the heart, the harder it is to dislodge. Every act of sin hardens the conscience and strengthens evil inclinations, making repentance increasingly difficult as one ages.

Don't delay. Waiting for a "late repentance" is presumptuous and risky. While God's grace is sufficient, it is often withheld from those who have long ignored His call. The strength of habit is such that if you do not seek the Lord when young, you will likely never seek Him at all. The time to build a relationship with God and establish godly habits is now.

3. Recognize the Enemy: The Devil Actively Targets Young Men

Satan knows very well that you will make up the next generation and therefore he employs every trick to make you his own.

Primary target. The devil understands the strategic importance of capturing the hearts and minds of the next generation. Young men are a prime target for his schemes, and he uses his most cunning temptations to ensnare them. He works tirelessly to prevent them from seeing truth clearly and to make sin appear attractive while distorting Christianity.

Mighty, restless, cunning. Your enemy is powerful, having opposed Christ Himself and caused the fall of humanity and even some saints. He is relentless, constantly seeking whom he may devour, never sleeping or ceasing his efforts. He is also incredibly cunning, having studied human nature for millennia and possessing a vast arsenal of temptations tailored to exploit every weakness.

Ignorance is dangerous. Many young men are unaware of the spiritual battle raging for their souls, making them vulnerable. They are like blind men walking among pitfalls, not seeing the dangers surrounding them. This ignorance is precisely what the devil exploits. Being forewarned about his tactics is the first step in being forearmed against them.

4. Guard Your Heart: Beware of Pride, Thoughtlessness, and Pleasure

Pride never reigns anywhere so powerfully as in the heart of a young man.

Pride's grip. Pride is an ancient sin, responsible for the fall of angels and Adam, and it finds fertile ground in the hearts of young men. It manifests as conceit, impatience with counsel, a belief in one's own superior knowledge, and a reluctance to learn from elders. This arrogance hinders growth and leads to poor decisions, as seen in figures like Rehoboam and the prodigal son.

Thoughtlessness's cost. A simple lack of thinking is a major reason souls are lost. Young men, often inexperienced and averse to quiet reflection, are particularly susceptible to making rash decisions without considering the consequences. Like Esau selling his birthright for a meal, they trade eternal value for immediate gratification, only realizing the cost too late.

Pleasure's war. The love of pleasure is a significant danger, fueled by strong passions, health, and few responsibilities in youth. It leads to indulgence in various forms of worldly excitement that drown thought and please the senses. These pleasures, while seemingly harmless or even desirable, wage war against the soul, leaving deep scars and ultimately proving unsatisfying and empty.

5. Fear God, Not Man: Don't Let Human Opinion Deter You

The fear of man will indeed prove to be a snare.

Slavery to opinion. The fear of what others think is a powerful snare, especially for the young, often leading them to conform to popular opinion rather than follow their conscience or God's Word. This dread of ridicule or disapproval prevents many from openly practicing their faith, reading the Bible, or praying, even when they know they should. It is a miserable form of slavery.

Unreasonable fear. Fearing mortal men, who are temporary and limited in their power, is illogical when compared to the power of God. Man's hostility is short-lived, and he cannot ultimately harm your soul or judge you on the last day. Seeking man's approval over God's is a poor exchange, as God's favor is eternal and He can make even your enemies live at peace with you when your ways please Him.

Break the chains. Be courageous and refuse to be swayed by the world's opinions or the fear of being different. Don't be ashamed of wanting to go to heaven or showing that you are a servant of God. Remember Christ's words: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

6. Understand Sin's Evil: See It for What It Truly Is

Oh, don't let the devil succeed in persuading you that sin is a small matter!

Sin's true nature. Sin is not a trivial issue; it is a deeply ingrained corruption in every human heart, defiling thoughts, words, and actions. It makes us guilty and detestable in the sight of a holy God, leaving us without hope if we rely on ourselves. Understanding the pervasive and destructive nature of sin is crucial for recognizing our need for salvation.

The cost of atonement. The immense evil of sin is underscored by the price required for its atonement. God's own Son had to become human and suffer a criminal's death on the cross to redeem us from sin's curse. The agony of Christ on Calvary reveals the gravity of sin and the depth of God's hatred for it, demonstrating that it is anything but a small matter.

Sin's consequences. Sin has brought immense suffering and destruction into the world, from the expulsion from Eden to floods, fires, wars, and all forms of human misery. It is the root cause of pain, disease, death, conflict, and every form of wickedness. Playing with sin is playing with poison and sporting with hell; it is harboring your deadliest enemy.

7. Seek Acquaintance with Christ: He is Your Only Hope and Strength

I set before you Jesus Christ this day, as the treasury of your souls; and I invite you to begin by going to Him.

The central need. Knowing Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity and essential for salvation and spiritual growth. It's not just knowing His name, but experiencing His mercy, grace, and power personally through faith. Without this vital connection, all warnings and advice are useless, and personal efforts are in vain.

Fullness in Christ. We are inherently weak and empty, lacking righteousness, peace, strength, and the ability to stand firm. Christ is the sole source of all we need, containing the fullness of grace, wisdom, sanctification, and redemption. Drawing strength and life from Him is the secret to spiritual prosperity and the ability to overcome life's battles and challenges.

An understanding Savior. Jesus understands the unique trials and temptations of young men, having lived as one in Nazareth. He knows your weaknesses and foes and can sympathize with your struggles because He was tempted Himself. He offers cleansing for sins, power to become children of God, the indwelling Spirit, and a new heart. Turning away from such a capable and compassionate Savior leaves you without excuse.

8. Prioritize Your Eternal Soul: It is the Most Important Thing

Your soul is eternal. It will live forever.

Eternal value. Your soul is the most precious thing you possess, destined to live forever while the physical world and all its achievements will pass away. It is the part of you that truly matters and should always be considered first in every decision. No earthly gain, pleasure, or relationship is worth sacrificing the well-being of your immortal soul.

Purpose of life. You were not created merely for temporary existence—eating, drinking, working, and seeking worldly enjoyment. Your true purpose is to prepare for eternity, with your body serving as a temporary dwelling for your immortal spirit. Living as if the body's desires are paramount, rather than the soul's needs, is a fundamental misunderstanding of God's design.

God's perspective. God does not judge people based on worldly standards like wealth, status, education, or appearance. He looks solely at the state of the immortal soul. The poorest saint is nobler in His sight than the richest sinner. Keeping the eternal value of your soul in view should guide your daily life, prompting you to seek its growth and salvation above all else.

9. Make the Bible Your Guide: Read It Diligently and Obey It

The Bible is God's merciful provision for sinful man's soul, the map by which he must steer his course, if he would attain eternal life.

Essential guidance. The Bible contains everything necessary for peace, holiness, and happiness, serving as the indispensable guide for navigating life towards eternity. For a young man seeking to live purely and wisely, the answer is found in living according to God's Word. Making Bible reading a consistent habit is vital, despite potential ridicule or conflicting schedules.

Read with reverence and prayer. Approach the Bible as the very Word of God, not merely a human book, praying for the Holy Spirit's help to understand its spiritual truths. Believe implicitly that what it approves is right and what it condemns is wrong. Use it as the ultimate test for all doctrines and practices, ensuring your beliefs and actions align with its teachings.

Regularity is key. Sporadic reading yields little benefit; consistent, diligent engagement with Scripture is necessary to become "mighty in the Scriptures." Storing God's Word in your heart through regular reading provides ready resources for resisting temptation, finding direction in doubt, and receiving comfort in discouragement. In an age flooded with fleeting and often harmful reading material, prioritize the book for your soul.

10. Live a Disciplined Life: Deal Decisively with Sin and Temptation

Resolve at once, by God's help, to break off every known sin, however small.

No small sins. Do not tolerate any known sin in your life, no matter how insignificant it seems. Allowed sin darkens the mind and hardens the conscience, and even a small one can ultimately ruin a soul, just as a small leak can sink a ship. Resist sin fiercely from its very beginnings, making no compromise, as yielding to small sins leads to greater wickedness.

Shun occasions. It is not enough
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Last updated: May 3, 2025