Youths​—Are You on the Road to Real Success?

OVER a century ago an American writer, R. W. Emerson, gave his prescription for youths to achieve success. He advised: “Hitch your wagon to a star.” Emerson meant that youths should strive to achieve lofty goals. But for a youngster to be successful, he must assert himself by means of disciplined training toward such a goal.

Youths, are you making proper plans now for the future? It will be wise to set noble goals and be determined to achieve them.

Youth is a time when there is a budding forth of life. It is a time of comparative freedom from burdensome responsibilities; a time of looking forward to gaining greater joys and happiness. Young lads and maidens are full of energy and health, with happy prospects.

Regrettably, a large segment of youth today fails to be committed to lofty goals in life. Instead, in a vain grasp for independence and freedom from responsibilities, many seek a way out through drugs, promiscuous sex and other follies. It is important, though, to heed the advice: “God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.”​—Gal. 6:7.

KEEP GOD IN YOUR GOALS

The Bible says: “Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart do you good in the days of your young manhood [also womanhood], and walk in the ways of your heart and in the things seen by your eyes.” (Eccl. 11:9a) So Jehovah the Creator wants youths to enjoy life. He does not take a negative view of youthful interests and what appeals to the desires of young hearts and eyes. For their part, young persons need to remember that they are accountable to God for their actions.

The Scriptures go on to say: “But know that on account of all these [the course of life you choose to pursue] the true God will bring you into judgment. So remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh.” (Eccl. 11:9b, 10a) Though allowing youths freedom of choice, the Most High will not shield them from the bitter consequences of pursuing a wrong course.

The same Bible writer adds: “For youth and the prime of life are vanity.” (Eccl. 11:10b) Why so? For one thing, a person obviously does not remain young forever. Even persons in the prime of life get sick and die. The youth who ignores this may fail to make wise use of what he has, dissipating his physical energies and capabilities in a way of life that can make his adult years more difficult.

In view of this, what should young people do? The Bible states: “Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.” (Eccl. 12:1) Such continuous holding of God in memory will promote fine conduct and solidify a youth’s relationship with Jehovah throughout his younger years.

THE “YOKE” OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

The Bible indicates that youths need to channel their energies toward a wise life objective. Otherwise, such powers will eventually be dissipated with no worthwhile goals being achieved.

Jesus encouraged downtrodden individuals: “Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matt. 11:29, 30) Is it not an inestimable privilege to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What better way is there to spend one’s youthful years? But this requires that a person take the serious step of Christian baptism. Only then can a person view himself as one of Jesus’ “disciples.”

GETTING NEEDED TRAINING

When young, Jesus was trained as a carpenter by his foster-father, Joseph. (Mark 6:3) So, today, Christian youths submit themselves profitably to a period of basic education. This means accepting secular education that will equip them for supporting themselves during adult years.

Christians have often found it advisable to take advantage of standard secular training available where they live. In America a high-school education is frequently of practical value.

Besides basic studies, such as mathematics, history and the language of the country where one resides, many schools offer courses in fields such as the use of tools and machinery, carpentry, electricity, auto mechanics, and printing. Girls can pursue domestic studies, typing and other secretarial skills, opportunities as medical assistants or other interesting and practical fields of work now open to women.

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE

Most young people reach a turning point during the closing years of high school. Many options open up to them at that time.

At such a turning point, it is well for youngsters to decide what they will do with regard to serving Jehovah. The closing years of such education furnish a fine opportunity for learning skills that can lead to employment that permits plenty of time for preaching and disciple-making​—the work that Jesus did.​—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

“SOWING WITH A VIEW TO THE SPIRIT”

Youths, is your future being built around God’s kingdom, or around worldly interests? These opposite goals produce opposite outcomes. (1 John 2:15-17) Jesus showed clearly that humans cannot serve two masters. (Matt. 6:24) Wise youths set their hearts on Jehovah God. They continue strengthening their personal relationship with God. Christian youths not only preach “this good news of the kingdom” regularly, but also obey the Biblical counsel: “Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”​—Heb. 13:16; compare James 1:26, 27.

Sinful tendencies incline all humans toward selfishness and materialistic desires. Youths need constantly to combat what the Bible describes as “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Tim. 2:22) Many have committed unwise ‘sins of youth’ for which, years later, there is regret.​—Ps. 25:7.

Youths, determine to avoid wrongdoing that can ruin your future! Those who love to ‘sow wild oats’ with promiscuous sex, drug abuse and other types of loose living frequently reap tragic consequences in later years. By hard experiences they learn the truthfulness of the inspired declaration: “He who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh.”​—Gal. 6:8a.

Is it not better to seek a good relationship with God and the Christian congregation? In this way you will experience joyfully that “he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.”​—Gal. 6:8b.

Youths who believe these Scriptural truths will shun all situations that can lead to uncleanness or fornication. (1 Cor. 6:18) Youngsters who wish to please God must seek out associations with people who will strengthen them in godly conduct. “The ear that is listening to the reproof of life lodges right in among wise people.” (Prov. 15:31) Do you seek out association with persons who manifest godly wisdom? (See James 3:17, 18.) God’s Word declares: “He that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Prov. 13:20) Does your life course show that you believe that?

God-fearing youths obey the Scriptural commands: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities.” (Rom. 13:1) “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” (1 Pet. 4:15) Subjection to governmental “superior authorities” means being law-abiding in every way, including the observance of all traffic laws.

Does your life harmonize with such guidelines from the Word of God? Youths who are on the road to real success will always heed the inspired advice: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”​—1 Cor. 10:31.

Youths Who Remember Their Creator

THE theme of Friday afternoon’s session at the more than 100 “Victorious Faith” international conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses during 1978 was “YOUTHS, BE EXAMPLES IN FAITH.” During the program part entitled “Youths Who Remember Their Creator,” dedicated young men and women spoke about their lives as servants of Jehovah. Below are some of the experiences that they presented.

You will note that a number of the youths interviewed decided to devote their full time to preaching “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matt. 24:14) Some are doing this as “special pioneers,” spending at least 140 hours per month in this activity. Many have become “regular pioneers,” who devote a minimum of 1,000 hours a year in proclaiming the “good news.” Let us consider some of the things these Christian youths had to say.

At the convention in New York city, a young lady related: ‘I know some youths are hesitant about obligating themselves to Jehovah God. Even some who are baptized hold back from putting spiritual interests first. I’m speaking from experience, for that’s the way I felt. But Scriptural principles, such as the one at Malachi 3:10 where we are told to pay to God what we owe him, helped me to have a change of heart. I encourage all of you young people in the audience to put spiritual interests first. Anyone who is old enough to party or be immoral or take drugs is also old enough to dedicate his or her life to Jehovah.’

ENJOYING “FIELD SERVICE”

“The field is the world,” said Jesus. (Matt. 13:38) That is why Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to their preaching activity as “field service.” At the convention in New York, a teen-age girl talked about what field service meant to her:

‘My activity in sharing Bible truths with others began at a very early age. While accompanying my parents from house to house, I would greet the householder with a cheerful smile and offer a small printed message. In time I became able to speak to people about the Bible topics. It delighted me to find that a number of those to whom I spoke wanted help in understanding the Bible. I visited them regularly and it was thrilling to see them making progress in knowledge of God and to observe them giving up unclean practices, as well as showing a desire to share their newfound Bible-based beliefs with others. Engaging in field service frequently has strengthened my faith in God’s incoming new order that will restore paradise earth wide. (Rev. 21:1-5) If I’m going to convince others about that hope, it must first be strong within me.’

A young witness who addressed the English-speaking session at Montreal, Canada, related: ‘My field service began during early childhood. I used to accompany my parents in their preaching activities. By the age of five I began giving simple presentations from door to door.

‘During those early years field service was really fun. However, in time it dawned on me that at school I stood out from the rest of the crowd. It then became awkward for me to speak to fellow students about the truth. When preaching from house to house, I began to dread the thought of meeting up with someone I knew from school. Looking back on this period, in my case I think the problem was fear of man, which the Bible says “lays a snare.”’​—Prov. 29:25.

‘After getting out of school, I decided to try pioneering on a temporary basis. As a result, preaching took on an appeal that it never had before. No longer did I view it as a fun activity, nor was it a heavy burden. On seeing my Bible students progress in the truth, I enjoyed a sense of deep satisfaction at the evidence that Jehovah God was backing my efforts. Now I have been pioneering for more than two and a half years. Looking back on the opportunities that I had to choose other careers, my feelings are the same as those of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.”’​—Phil. 3:8.

APPRECIATION FOR THE CONGREGATION

Are youths glad to be associated with the Christian congregation? Dan, who serves as a pioneer in Quebec, relates his own experience: ‘I have been baptized only since 1975, and my life before coming to know about Bible truth was very loose and unchristian. Searching for kicks, I used to get drunk frequently. When this ceased to be a pleasure, I went to smoking marijuana and experimenting with other drugs. At the age of 17 I was smoking marijuana almost every day.

‘But the happiness that I thought I had at that time was nothing in comparison with the joy that has been mine since coming in contact with Jehovah’s people. My first meeting at a Kingdom Hall was memorable. The thing that impressed me the most was that after the meeting different ones approached me and introduced themselves in an effort to make me feel comfortable. From that time on I have regularly attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Before learning the truth, I had no desire to associate with older people, since we had nothing in common. But with fellow Christians I have found many good friends of all ages.’

Another young Witness from New York gave a different reason for enjoying association with the congregation: ‘I’m glad to be part of the congregation because I’m able to serve others. I enjoy assisting the elderly brothers and sisters if they need help in cleaning up their apartments. Occasionally it’s my privilege to help fellow Christians to move from one location to another. As a youth I have strength and energy. What better way is there to use it than in glorifying Jehovah by serving others in the congregation?’

A 10-YEAR-OLD SEEKS HELP

At the convention in Munich, Germany, a young man told the following experience to the Greek-speaking session of that assembly: ‘When I was in elementary school, my parents stopped associating with the Christian congregation. I’m happy to tell you that, in spite of being a child, I succeeded in maintaining some connection with the congregation.

‘At the age of 10 I began to pray to Jehovah for help. Since my parents would not allow me to associate with Jehovah’s Witnesses openly, it seemed to me that the only way to support the preaching work would be to contribute money. So I began collecting pocket money that my parents would give me. In a period of two years I collected 500 drachmas. With joy I offered this to the congregation. The brothers prayed for me and made plans for a youngster my own age to visit me. During playtime with him a Bible study was conducted, which strengthened my faith. Years later I went to a foreign land for school studies. My real motive, however, was to be free to attend congregation meetings.

‘When my parents heard about this, it had a good effect on them. They once again began attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall and now my father is serving in a responsible position in the congregation. As for myself, I now have the joy to serve as a regular pioneer and that is my wish for all young people.’

It is indeed a pleasure to hear of the many youths who have made the worship of Jehovah the most important thing in their lives. We hope that these experiences will stir yet others to heed the Scriptural command: “Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.”​—Eccl. 12:1.