Forever Young!

The only cure for growing old is death. Each day that comes adds age to life and it seems the older we get the faster the time flies by.

Someone has stated, “Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

There is some truth to that statement. Besides the wonderful time spent in Bible discussion with teens at camp, one of the other highlights of working with our Senior Teen Bible camp each year is that the time shared together always makes me feel a bit younger. The acceptance I have experienced has in many ways seemed to ignore the distance of years between their age and mine.

When one is able to hold onto a SENSE OF YOUTH there appears to be a feeling of extra freshness and vigor which can contribute a lot to a desire for living. And there is a sense in which Jesus urged us to not completely let go of our YOUTH.

Jesus exhorted…
“(2) And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them (3) and said, “Truly, I say to you, UNLESS YOU TURN AND BECOME LIKE CHILDREN, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (4) Whoever HUMBLES HIMSELF LIKE THIS CHILD is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” ( Matthew 18:2-4 ESV)

Among the characteristics of YOUTH we may note eagerness to learn, the possession of an enthusiasm for life, greater hopefulness or optimism, the humility Jesus mentioned, zest for life, the recognition of the need for some guidance, etc. Though there is the need to mature, there are still some qualities which should not be outgrown. Those of you who are teens are not as far removed from some of these natural characteristics as those who through the passing of years become less enthused about living because of life’s stresses or begin to develop a sense of self-sufficiency or hardness toward life. There are qualities of a child we should seek to retain.

May we each, regardless of age, continue to seek to retain a YOUTHFUL state of mind in the ways that will be pleasing to God. Such an approach to living will enable us to keep our life open to properly responding to His Will. It will also contribute a greater sense of spiritual energy toward God ’s cause.

Have a great day LIVING EXUBERANTLY AS GOD’S CHILD!
Carl

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