Young at Heart

Today's Verse:

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. ~1 Samuel 17:33

---

Depending on your age, the word "youth" might have different meanings. In general, we all tend to think of a youth as anyone under age 21. Someone old enough to be defined as having entered adulthood, but young enough that they still identify with younger people, maturity-wise. Saul took one look at David and said, “Thou art but a youth.” He was telling David, “Look at you. You don’t have the experience or wherewithal to take on a giant who has been fighting since he was a youth.” No matter who we are, we tend to think we are all young at heart. This morning, let us consider the importance of being young at heart.

There is the energy of youth.

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Youth is identified with energy and vigor. A youthful spirit is something every Christian should possess at all seasons of life. Caleb said, “As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.” A youthful spirit has mountains to climb, cities to conquer, and accomplishments waiting for him. David looked at Goliath and said, “Let me have at him.” We all might be getting older in age, but let us keep being youthful in our spirit.

There is the exertion in youth.

“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:27). The best time to learn how to work hard is when you are young. All young people tend to be lazy, self-centered, and erratic in focus. Hard work is very beneficial in youth because of the discipline it instills, the exertion that is required, and the sense of an accomplished mission when a project is done. I am thankful that I had to work in my father’s meat and grocery store starting at age ten. It taught me retail work, gave me responsibility, and encouraged good people skills. I endured callouses and cuts on my hands; bending down and picking things up; and long arduous hours a minimum of six days per week for many years. We need to maintain a spirit of exertion as we get older. Don’t drift into a mindset of an easier life syndrome. Work smarter as you get older, but never let up on working harder.

There is the exhortation of youth.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). The most critical time to make major decisions for God is in your youth. I have known many people who, after they attain a certain age, wish they did more for God when they were younger. “Remember NOW [emphasis added] thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” It is not too late to live for God. It is not too late to do something big for God. It is not too late to do more for God. Let your heart and thoughts be thoroughly ingrained with living for God.

There is the example of youth.

“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 Timothy 4:12). The best thing you can do as a young person is to be a good example. You might lack experience and maturity, but you can be a good example. Youth is typically characterized with recklessness. May it be said that a youthful spirit is characterized by exemplary behavior and character.

Yes, all of us can be young at heart. Don’t buy the idea that you are too old. Be young at heart for God.

Have an energetic God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Mark 8-9

#1Samuel #Youth