Often in our lives we are forced to make decisions that affect ourselves as well as those around us (i.e. family, friends, brethren in the congregation, and etc.). Whenever we come to the place in our lives where we must make life changing or spiritual decisions we must be very careful that those decisions are in the best interest of our hope for eternal life after this sojourn here on earth has ended cf. Matt. 10:28 – And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. KJV
Some of the decisions that we make may hinder our pursuit of spiritual goals because the decisions were made under less that wise conditions. The desire in youth to steal from others, commit sexual sins, etc. are often perused without consideration of the effects they may have on our future life. Make no mistake; sins that we commit while young may be accompanied by lasting (i.e. even lifetime) effects. In the case of sexual sins, we may contact a venereal disease or involve ourselves in a situation where we create a new life that we did not want. Indeed; while we are young and strong physical we are often weak with a true sense and capacity for making wise decisions.
David and Solomon gives much advice to the young and we should make every effort to direct our young boys and girls to read his important materials found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Please note the following wise advise from the wise man; Solomon.
Ps. 119:9-11 – 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. KJV
Prov. 1:2-4 – 2 to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 to give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
Eccl. 11:7-10 – 7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: 8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. 9 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. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth is vanity. KJV
Eccl. 11:7-10 – 7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: 8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. 9 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. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. KJV
CONCLUSION:
Yes, we must be careful in youth that we do not create problems for ourselves when we grow older and wiser. Perhaps one of the important decisions that we make in life will be our decision to believe and obey God early in life. Whenever a young person becomes a Christian early in life they are less likely to become involved in sinful practices and to visit sinful places where they may be tempted to become involve in sin and sinful lifestyles.
Indeed, young person remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth is a good policy to live by. Godly parents will aid and assist their children to live godly lifestyles as well, cf. Eph 6:4 – And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. KJV
Col. 3:21 – Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. KJV
Heb 10:23-24 – 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: