posted by SoundByte on Mar 1
Young people are looking for something to belong to, something to challenge them and something to identify with that gives them meaning, confidence and self-worth.
When spiritual training begins early, they quickly adapt to a lifestyle centered upon God and service to others.
Teach Young Men
Paul wrote: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim. 2:2)
Teaching men should begin early. In fact, as early as the cradle. Remember, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world?” Timothy learned the scriptures as a babe from his mother and grandmother. (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14, 15) It helped to shape his life for his later role as a faithful minister. Begin early.
Begin Where You Can
Perhaps the opportunity to teach the young men in your life from the cradle has passed. That does not mean it’s an impossible task. Even young teens respond to caring and thoughtful adults who take an interest in them.
Teaching spiritual values offers so many opportunities to build relationships, discover, develop and express natural talents and mold and shape a life for service with Christ. For men looking for a way to add value to their lives, begin adding value to lives of young men.
Begin With Whom You Can
Are there no young men in your own family? Look around you. There are plenty next door, across the street, or sitting in one of the pews in a worship service who are open to guidance. This means preparing yourself to be capable and worthy of teaching and training them.
However, if you’re already capable and but doing nothing with your spiritual talents and life lessons but burying them in the the proverbial “hole in the earth”, your worth may be that of a wicked and slothful servant.
Begin With What You Have
Take an evening to sit down and reflect on your knowledge, experiences and goals for making this a better world. Ask how you can transfer these ideals in meaningful ways with young men. Pray for guidance and ask others for assistance where needed. Then begin with what you have and watch it grow beyond your imagination.
Now to him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)
William Bell is the author of The Re-Examination, A Study of the Lord’s Second Coming. He also speaks regularly in Bible prophecy seminars, workshops and teleconferences. Visit his blog at allthingsfulfilled
