THE COVENANT NURTURE OF YOUTH

“Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till

I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”

Psalm 71:17-18 NIV

by Rev. John Hopkins, PPL Board Member

In an Old Testament prayer, we read these words of King David. While David had suffered many afflictions, his language was not tainted by bitterness and complaints. He had but one aim: To tell young people about God’s mighty acts! One of the actions David conveyed was that God knits each of us together in our mothers’ wombs (Psalm 139:13). The prophet Jeremiah was described as a person in the womb and chosen even before conception (Jeremiah 1:5). How often do we bring such verses to the attention of our youth? With many young people out of school this summer, we have an opportunity to introduce a new spiritual emphasis into their lives: the high value of God to protect life!

One appropriate prayer for all Christians is for God to

lead churches in reaching younger people with a biblical

worldview rather than the world’s view.

When it comes to protecting life, we must be committed to mentoring the younger population. Sadly, too frequently, churches do not seem to feel responsible for the millions of children who are advised about abortion rights rather than the babies’ rights. More heroic efforts from seasoned adults are essential! In a day when many grandparents reside in communities that exclude children, what active part do Christian seniors have outside their own age group? After all, are we not among those who respond in the affirmative to the baptismal question that all members undertake with these parents in their promised Covenant responsibility for the Christian nurture of this child? As we seek to be faithful, we must embrace the battle against the pro-death movement's sinful and selfish motivations, which also calls for a complete team effort!

Surely, if the judgment upon those who lead a child astray is as harsh as the millstone lesson Jesus gave (Matthew 18:6), then ponder how marvelous the blessing of helping a young person care about the unborn? How can we be more attentive to the ethical questions of young people in our community? Young people need to hear the gospel, BUT they also require guidance in their everyday

decision-making, leaning on the “wisdom from above” (James 3:17-18). The older we get, the more in love with God we should be, and the more that love should cross the boundaries of age, race, and culture.

Even though we may not have children in our homes, we should be more sensitive to the challenges others face in raising theirs. How can we locate points of contact with the younger generation? Can we be more burdened to PRAY that youth would not repeat the sins of their elders? Have you ever written a note of praise or encouragement to a young person beyond your family circle? I still remember receiving letters from three ladies in my home church when I was studying in a seminary 2400 miles away in southern California – especially communicating they were praying for me! Maybe you can find a young person whom you could benefit by being a local “spiritual grandparent.”

Youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and therefore, we must encourage them to face the issues of TODAY. It makes sense that teens cannot easily be occupied with spiritual matters if they are not relationally close with at least one Christian. Young people are normally asked, “How old are you?” “What grade are you in?” “What is your favorite subject?” How about challenging them about protecting

human life, too?

Why not ask a teenager about his or her relationship with the Lord? Check on what he or she is learning about the Bible. Help this young person to think about how he

or she can honor God by preserving life rather than terminating it. The main thing is to show youth YOU CARE. Be alert to their loneliness, fears, and the pressures of peer dependency.

“You must teach these things and encourage your

people to do them, correcting them when necessary

as one who has every right to do so. Don’t let anyone

think what you say is not important.”

Titus 2:15 (The Living Bible)

In the days of the Vietnam War, comedian Dick Gregory observed that our country seemed more willing to give up her sons than certain material possessions like homes and cars. As our generation passes on, are we more willing to give up our youth to the clutches of an evil culture than to part with our own hobbies, interests, and agendas? The question sounds a lot like another one Jesus asked:

“However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8, NIV)

“... if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I

received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of

the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Photo credit: freestock