Issue 28, January 2013

Pilgrim Youth

Issue 28, January 2013

Pilgrim Youth

Issue 28, January 2013

Pilgrim Youth

Gods Purpose Concerning the Youth of Today - 1

By Ellen G. White Grave responsibilities rest upon the youth. God expects much from the young men who live in this generation of increased light and knowledge. He expects them to impart this light and knowledge. He desires to use them in dispelling the error and superstition that cloud the minds of many. They are to discipline themselves by gathering up every jot and tittle of knowledge and experience. God holds them responsible for the opportunities and privileges given them. The work before them is waiting for their earnest effort, that it may be carried forward from point to point, as the time demands. If the youth will consecrate their minds and hearts to Gods service, they will reach a high standard of efficiency and usefulness. This is the standard that the Lord expects the youth to attain. To do less than this is to refuse to

make the most of God-given opportunities. This will be looked upon as treason against God,a failure to work for the good of humanity. Those who strive to become laborers for God, who seek earnestly to acquire in order to impart, will constantly receive light from God, that they may be channels of communication. If, like Daniel, young men and young women will bring all their habits, appetites, and passions into conformity to the requirements of God, they will qualify themselves for higher work. They should put from their minds all that is cheap and frivolous. Nonsense and amusement-loving propensities should be discarded, as out of place in the life and experience of those who are living by faith on the Son of God, eating his flesh and drinking his blood. They should realize that though all the advantages of learning may be within their reach, they may yet fail of obtaining that education which will fit them for work in some part of the Lords vineyard. They can not engage in Gods service without the requisite qualifications of intelligent piety. If they give to pleasure and amusement the precious mind that should be
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strengthened by high and noble purposes, they degrade the powers that God has given them, and are guilty before him, because they fail to improve their talents by wise use. Their dwarfed spirituality is an offense to God. They taint and corrupt the minds of those with whom they associate. By their words and actions they encourage a careless inattention to sacred things. Not only do they imperil their own souls, but their example is detrimental to all with whom they come in contact. They are utterly incompetent to represent Christ. Servants of sin, careless, reckless, and foolish, they scatter away from him. Those who are satisfied with low attainments fail of being workers together with God. To those who let the mind drift where it will drift if not guarded, Satan makes suggestions which so fill the mind that they are trained in his army to decoy other souls. They may make a profession of religion, they may have a form of godliness; but they are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. There are youth who have a certain kind of cleverness, which is acknowledged and admired by their associates, but
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their ability is not sanctified. It is not strengthened and solidified by the graces and trials of experience, and God can not use it to benefit humanity and glorify his name. Under the guise of godliness, their powers are being used to erect false standards, and the unconverted look to them as an excuse for their wrong course of action. Satan leads them to amuse their associates by their nonsense and so-called wit. Everything that they undertake is cheapening; for they are under the control of the tempter, who directs and fashions their characters, that they may do his work. They have ability, but it is untrained; they have capacity, but it is unimproved. Talents have been given them; but they misuse and degrade them by folly, and drag others down to their own low level. Christ paid the ransom for their souls by self-denial, self-sacrifice, humiliation, by the shame and reproach he endured. This he did that he might rescue them from the bondage of sin, from the slavery of a master who cares for them only as he can use them to ruin souls. But they make the love of the Redeemer in their behalf of no

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Pilgrim Youth

avail to them, and he looks with sadness on their work. Such youth meet with eternal loss. How will their fun and frolic appear to them in the day when every man shall receive from the Judge of all the earth according to the deeds done in the body? They have brought to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble, and all their life-work will perish. What a loss! O, how much better is the condition of those who act their part in Gods service, looking to Jesus for his approval, writing daily in their account-book their mistakes, their errors, their sorrows, the victories they have gained over temptation, their joy and peace in Christ! Such youth will not have to meet their liferecord with shame and dismay.
taken

Consecration
We have heard Thy call, Lord Jesus, And our hearts respond with joy; We will pledge Thee our allegiance, For Thy cause our all employ.

Wheresoeer Thy challenge leads us, Whatsoeer shall be the test, Only make it known, dear Master, And we promise Thee our best.

Evry talent Thou hast given, Not for hiding, but for use; All our time is of Thy lending, To be spent as Thou shalt choose.

Whatsoeer we are or have, Lord, Shall be subject to Thy will; Trust us with Thy greatest task, Lord, And with joy our hearts shall thrill.

from The Youths Instructor, June 22, 1899

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:1, 2a.

~ C. Harold Lowden ~ (adapted)

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Pilgrim Youth

The Temptation
Two boys, both about fifteen year of age, were employed as clerks in a large grocery store. Walter Hyde was the son of an invalid widow, and his earnings were her only means of support. Andrew Strong was the eldest son of a mechanic who had quite a large family depending upon him for their daily bread. Both boys were capable and industrious; both were members of the temperance club that had been started in their church. They had but lately been employed in business. Walter and Andrew were good friends; but they had not long been employed in the store before they learned that Mr. Bates, the proprietor, retailed alcoholic drinks. The two boys talked together upon the wisdom of remaining at a place where liquor was sold. They had nothing to do with the sale of the liquor, but they wondered if they should work where it was sold.

Let us talk with our folks at home, said Walter, they will know best. I shall do what my mother says. Ill ask my father and mother, said Andrew. I dont know whether they will think that I should leave, but I know they will hesitate to have me lose my job. Mother, said Walter Hyde, seating himself beside her easy chair, did you know that Mr. Bates sells liquor? Why, no, my son, said Mrs. Hyde, with a startled movement; does he? Yes. I did not know it for a fact until today. What do you think about my staying there? I dont have anything to do with the liquor department, but it doesnt seem exactly right to stay where it is sold. For a moment the mother did not answer. Poverty is a hard thing to battle with, and Mrs. Hyde knew only too well what must follow the loss of her sons job. But as she pondered, there came to her mind the memory of a boy she had known in girlhood; a brave, highspirited lad with the promise of as

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noble a manhood as lay before her own son. How little a thing had wrecked his hopes and brought him to a drunkards grave. Lead us not into temptation. When could those words be more fitly uttered than now? My son, let us pray together, said this Christian mother. Together they knelt in prayer in the cheerful firelight. I can answer you now, Walter. I would rather starve than have you exposed to such temptations. You may tell Mr. Bates in the morning that you cannot work for him any longer. In his home that evening Andrew Strong asked the same question of his parents. You say you dont have anything to do with the liquor? questioned Mr. Strong. No, sir; but I am right where it is all the time. I cant help that, if I stay there. If we were able to get along without your wages, I wouldnt have you remain another day; but I have so many mouths to feed, and

our rent is coming due. If you leave there you may not get another job in a long time. What do you think, Anna, he inquired of his wife; had the boy better leave? Mrs. Strong was worried about the money, so she suggested a compromise. Let him stay a little while, she said, until we get the rent paid, and meanwhile look up a new job for him. We wont have him remain longer than necessary. The next day Walter Hyde resigned his position. Walter, when he found himself out of employment, did not sit down and fold his hands in discouragement, but went about looking for another job. He picked up a little work here and there. At last a gentlemen, struck by his frank, manly countenance, and learning something of his history, interested himself in the boys behalf and got him a job as clerk in a large manufacturing establishment, a far better position than he had before. Andrew Strong remained in the store of Mr. Bates. It was only for a little while, said his father and mother. They intended to find him another job as soon as possible. His father made inquiries to that effect whenever he thought it
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advisable, but nothing turned up. At first no apparent evils resulted from his stay. Familiarity with a danger causes it to seem less dangerous, so the family finally ceased to feel troubled regarding the temptations that surrounded Andrew. For a long time Andrew remembered his pledge and was careful to avoid the liquor department of the grocery. But as the days passed and he grew accustomed to the sight and smell of liquor, occasionally he tasted intoxicating drinks. He no longer attended the meetings of the temperance club, for after he broke his pledge he felt that he had no right to be there. He did not have the courage and resolution to confess his wrongdoing and change his ways. Twenty years passed. In one of our large manufacturing cities, as the wealthy owner of nearly half the mills in the place was walking along the street one day, he saw a man by the roadside drunk. He stopped to see if he could not do something for the poor fellow. Do you know this man? he inquired of a mill superintendent who was passing by.
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No. He is a stranger here. He came to me yesterday morning to work in the mill. I hired him, and then he told me he had been out of work so long that he had been unable to get anything to eat. I paid him for yesterdays work to help him get something to eat; but it looks as if he spent it for liquor. What did he tell you his name was? inquired the factory owner. Andrew answer. Strong, was the

Is it possible! The gentleman looked long and earnestly at the tramp and then said: Yes, it must be he. Then, turning to the superintendent, he said: Mr. Horton, if you will help me carry this man to my house, I will do you a good turn some day. Mr. Horton looked surprised, but he did as his employer requested. When Andrew Strong awoke from his drunken slumber he found himself in a well-furnished room surrounded by many conveniences. Beside him sat a gentleman whom he could not recall having ever seen before.

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Pilgrim Youth

Where am I? What does this mean? he demanded as his senses returned to him. Why am I here? Andrew Strong, said the stranger, do you remember me? No, I never saw you before, was the answer. You are mistaken. You and I were once old friends. Dont you remember Walter Hyde, who used to work with you in the store? Yes, yes, was the answer, but are you Walter? I am the same boy who talked with you about leaving the store because of the liquor sold there. The man looked with bleary eyes into the face of his companion, and after a long pause said: Then I suppose you are the Hyde that owns all these factories. A pause, and then came a groan from the poor drunkard. Oh! that my father and mother had kept me from that liquor house. That is where I went down. If I had left the place as you did, I might now be an honoured and respected man.

My poor friend, do not despair, said Walter Hyde. It is not yet too late for you to reform. I will help you. He did help him. Andrew Strong became a man respected by his fellows and a blessing to society.
taken

from Choice Stories for Children

It is not safe for us to linger to contemplate the advantages to be reaped through yielding to Satans suggestions. Sin means dishonor and disaster to every soul that indulges in it; but it is blinding and deceiving in its nature, and it will entice us with flattering presentations. If we venture on Satans ground we have no assurance of protection from his power. So far as in us lies, we should close every avenue by which the tempter may find access to us (MB 118).

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Pilgrim Youth

Gods Purpose Concerning the Youth of Today -2

By Ellen G. White To keep our souls in the love of God, requires strict self-discipline and watchfulness, mingled with earnest prayer. Every youth should seek to make all he possibly can of himself, that he may grow in grace, and in favor with God and man. His highest aspiration should be to give to others the treasures of science and knowledge that he has gained by following Gods will. Thus his works will harmonize with the works of Christ. Those who do this are constantly in communication with the angels of light, who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. God expects the youth to think soberly and intelligently of how those of past generations toiled and sacrificed to leave to future generations a heritage of light. The patriarchs and prophets and the disciples of Christ received impressions from the Great
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Teacher, and this light and knowledge they bequeathed to those who live in this age. The youth now have the privilege of improving all the treasures that have been acquired by past generations. The Lord expects these hereditary trusts to be gathered up as golden treasures, and imparted to others. Paul wrote: Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded, in all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptedness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that can not be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. God calls for large-hearted, large-minded young men, who hear the word of God and obey it; who are not trifling, but deeply in earnest. Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye

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not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. God calls for young men who are cultivated, sanctified, refined, ennobled, through the truth, which has not merely been assented to, but brought into the inmost recesses of the soul, sanctifying the entire man. Such youth will learn daily in the school of Christ. Jesus died for the world, and souls are perishing for want of the knowledge that he came to bring. Knowing this, will young men who have all the facilities for gaining an education, both in science and religion, stand back, careless, unconcerned, and indifferent, content to spend their blood-bought time and privileges in selfgratification? The great work for this time has already begun, and is awaiting men who, with hearts subdued by grace, will carry it forward and upward, their ability refined and purified to do Gods will, their lips touched with the holy fire which burns its way to the hearts of the people. Will youth merely look on at such a

time as this, feeling no burden of responsibility? Shall the work be crippled in all its branches for want of men to teach the truth to others? Where are the laborers who will go forth, consecrating to God their time, their talents, and every jot of the ability they possess? At this late hour shall the work of saving souls be retarded? Shall but little be done, when the curse of sin has grown to such proportions that already the Spirit of God, insulted, rejected, and abused, is being withdrawn from the earth? Just as fast as Gods Spirit is taken away, Satans cruel work will be done upon land and sea. Judgments by fire and flood will increase in fearfulness; for Satan claims his harvest of souls in the destruction. Will young men now humble their hearts before God, and give themselves to his service? Will they not accept the holy trust, and become light-bearers to a world ready to be consumed by the wrath of an offended God? The use of intoxicating drink, which dethrones reason, and of tobacco, which clouds the brain and poisons the life-current, is increasing. Are our young men prepared to lift their
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voices in defense of temperance, and show its bearing upon Christianity? Will they engage in the holy war against appetite and lust? Our artificial civilization encourages evils which are destroying sound principles. The Lord is at the door. Where are the men who will go forth to the work, fully trusting in God, ready to do and to dare? God calls, Son, go work today in my vineyard. If the young men of today will give themselves to God, he will make them heavens chosen depositaries of truth, and will empower them to present before the people truth in contrast with error and superstition. May the Lord roll the burden on strong young men, who have his word abiding in them.
taken from The Youths Instructor, November 3, 1886

to pray and ask the prayers of others a cross I struggled under for several days. When I would pray for the evidence of sins forgiven, it would be impressed upon my mind to be baptized. This troubled me, so I told my brother. He said, If I felt that way, I would be baptized at the first opportunity. Elder Smith is going to be at Clarkson next Sunday, and is going to baptize one on the way, and you can be baptized at the same time. When Elder Smith came and I told him of my feelings he said, Yes, by all means go forward! I prayed earnestly to the Lord to be guided aright, and went with trembling to the place of baptism. It was a beautiful summer morning, and when I came out of the water I was as happy as I could be. It seemed that all nature praised the Lord. I was now free and could say, I know that the Lord loves me. We had about ten miles to go from there to the meeting, and we sang and praised the Lord all the way.At the shop where I worked, many customers would come in and talk of everything but religion. Whenever they talked with me, I would try to turn the conversation to religious matters, and to the great subject of the near coming of the Lord. Some would listen and seem deeply affected; others would mock and ridicule, but this only made me the stronger. After my days work was done, I would often sit up until midnight with candle and book by my side to study the truth.
taken from Miracles in My Life

Young Zeal
Referring to his teenage years, John Loughborough wrote:

I began to study the Bible thoroughly. I carried a small pocket Bible to the blacksmith shop and would read it when the rest of the hands were off at the nearby grocery. Sometimes I would retire to the back coal shed to pray. My mind was impressed to speak in public meeting and tell my desires,
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Issue 28, January 2013

Pilgrim Youth

A Note From Us to You

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim. 4:12). Here the aged apostle Paul encouraged the young Timothy to be an example to his fellow believers. Likewise today, God requires each one of us, no matter how young we are, to exert an uplifting influence upon those around us by our Christian lives. Let us briefly examine each of the categories that God is calling us as young people to be examples in.

In Conversation

The Greek word , translated conversation here in the King James Version of the Bible, means our manner of life and everyday conduct. Oh that all we do might be done with an eye single to the One Who first loved us!

In Charity
Charity (love) is another area we are called upon to be examples in. The Ten Commandments are summed up in the word Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Mat. 22:37, 39). This love is more than just talk, though loving words are still important; it is a living and abiding principle in our lives and actions. The apostle John says, My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (1 Jn. 3:18). The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men. And this service, while making us a blessing to others, brings the greatest blessing to ourselves. Unselfishness underlies all true development. Through
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In Word
What is the example of our words? Do honesty, integrity, kindness and love characterise our speech? Our words have a powerful influence for either good or evil. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21a). How important then that we exclaim with the psalmist, Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips (Ps. 141:3).

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unselfish service we receive the highest culture of every faculty (CT 32).

thoughts, we must, by Gods grace, keep our thoughts and hearts pure.

In Spirit
Our motives are also important. The Lord Jesus estimates the work done by the spirit in which it is done (RH July 24, 1900). Are our good deeds done to be seen of men, or are they an outflow of a heart of love to God and man?

Conclusion
How was Timothy able to be such an example? From a child he had known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15). Are we daily searching Gods Word with a desire to follow His will in all aspects of life? The divine directory, Gods holy Word, is in our hands (AUCR April 15, 1903). Friends, let not any around us, even older members of the church, lead us away from the principles of the Word of God. Instead, by keeping our eyes on Jesus and filling our minds daily with His Word, may our lives be a Christian example to all around us that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you (Tit. 2:8). Yours in Christ,

In Faith
As defined by A. T. Jones, Faith is expecting the word of God to do what it says, and depending upon that word to do what it says (Lessons on Faith, p. 8). Such a faith and dependence on Gods Word will manifest itself in our daily lives, since faith without works is dead (Jas. 2:26).

In Purity
Sensuality is the sin of the age. But the religion of Jesus Christ will hold the lines of control over every thought, word and action.Not an impure thought will be indulged in, not a word spoken that is approaching to sensuality, not an action that has the least appearance of evil (LYL 63). Since impurity begins with the
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Chanel Scheman
God will use the youth today as he used Timothy, if they will submit to his guidance (YI, February 13, 1902).

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