When I graduated from seminary and came as an immigrant to America, I accepted a call to a church in Northern Michigan. It was the custom to invite the newest preacher in the community to bring the Baccalaureate address, and so it fell upon me as a very young pastor to deliver the message. It was in the year 1914. And later, as the eldest preacher in another community, exactly fifty years later, I was thus honored again. Many things in life have changed since those early days, but the principles of life remain the same. The text is as sure and true today as it was in 1914, or 1000 years ago.
"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth; before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’.” Eccl. 12:1
The first word of our text warns us against an awful sin, and at the same time points us toward real success and great blessing. Forgetfulness of God is a monster. The fabled Chimera which breathed out fire was a house cat compared to forgetfulness. On the other hand, remembering God gives us the benefit of all the experience of the ages, and in proportion to which we do it, we establish our life upon a solid foundation of safety, peace, usefulness, and joy. Remembering anything is useful. Remember the bad as a warning. Remember the good as a challenge. I want you to think seriously on the reasons we should remember God.
The first reason we should remember God in the days of our youth is that we can! Youth takes in information as a dry field takes rain. Youth can absorb facts like a well, and then, like a well, give without going dry. There is a best time for everything, and the best time to learn in order to retain, is during youth. The mind is receptive, and the soul is unbiased, unembittered by mistakes, and unhampered by prejudice.
Remember God in your youth, because youth can act. Maturity is great for holding the kingdom, but youth is bold in pushing the frontiers of the kingdom forward. Give God the “pushing power” of your youth! Remember God in your youth so that He may use your daring, alertness, and endurance.
Remember God in your youth because youth is all you may have. David Brainard, the famous missionary, wrote a diary that has inspired generations. It has been said that this diary has done more to develop the spirit of modern missions and fire the heart and spirit of the church than any writings since those of the apostles. Wesley read it, and advised Carey to read it. Carey was inspired by it to begin his own missionary journeys, and spent about 30 years in India translating the Bible into twenty-four languages and dialects and giving the Scripture to 300 million human beings. But, if Brainard had not written that diary in his youth, he never would have written it, for he died at twenty-nine.
Finally, remember your Creator in your youth because an early remembrance of God leaves you with no regrets. On the contrary, a youthful surrender leaves a lifelong remembrance that will be a perpetual delight. There are a multitude of people who cry out in remorse over a misspent youth; an untold number whose regrets over wasted time and wasted energy serve as warnings to us. God is gracious; His mercy extends to the limits of our life. But, hear me, Remember Him now. Don’t waste a single day.
Dear Lord, I consecrate this day to You and to Your service. Empty me of self and fill me with Your Spirit that I may be of service to You today. Amen.
We hope this message - first preached 100 years ago - is not only inspiring, but proves the timeliness of words drawn from Scripture. Scripture principles are never out of date!
Blessings,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth; before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’.” Eccl. 12:1
The first word of our text warns us against an awful sin, and at the same time points us toward real success and great blessing. Forgetfulness of God is a monster. The fabled Chimera which breathed out fire was a house cat compared to forgetfulness. On the other hand, remembering God gives us the benefit of all the experience of the ages, and in proportion to which we do it, we establish our life upon a solid foundation of safety, peace, usefulness, and joy. Remembering anything is useful. Remember the bad as a warning. Remember the good as a challenge. I want you to think seriously on the reasons we should remember God.
The first reason we should remember God in the days of our youth is that we can! Youth takes in information as a dry field takes rain. Youth can absorb facts like a well, and then, like a well, give without going dry. There is a best time for everything, and the best time to learn in order to retain, is during youth. The mind is receptive, and the soul is unbiased, unembittered by mistakes, and unhampered by prejudice.
Remember God in your youth, because youth can act. Maturity is great for holding the kingdom, but youth is bold in pushing the frontiers of the kingdom forward. Give God the “pushing power” of your youth! Remember God in your youth so that He may use your daring, alertness, and endurance.
Remember God in your youth because youth is all you may have. David Brainard, the famous missionary, wrote a diary that has inspired generations. It has been said that this diary has done more to develop the spirit of modern missions and fire the heart and spirit of the church than any writings since those of the apostles. Wesley read it, and advised Carey to read it. Carey was inspired by it to begin his own missionary journeys, and spent about 30 years in India translating the Bible into twenty-four languages and dialects and giving the Scripture to 300 million human beings. But, if Brainard had not written that diary in his youth, he never would have written it, for he died at twenty-nine.
Finally, remember your Creator in your youth because an early remembrance of God leaves you with no regrets. On the contrary, a youthful surrender leaves a lifelong remembrance that will be a perpetual delight. There are a multitude of people who cry out in remorse over a misspent youth; an untold number whose regrets over wasted time and wasted energy serve as warnings to us. God is gracious; His mercy extends to the limits of our life. But, hear me, Remember Him now. Don’t waste a single day.
Dear Lord, I consecrate this day to You and to Your service. Empty me of self and fill me with Your Spirit that I may be of service to You today. Amen.
We hope this message - first preached 100 years ago - is not only inspiring, but proves the timeliness of words drawn from Scripture. Scripture principles are never out of date!
Blessings,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
RSS Feed