Our 2022 theme of “hand to plow” is designed to motivate us to stay focused and committed to doing work in the kingdom of God. No matter what goes on in our society, God’s people need to continue doing His work. This needs to be the goal of even young disciples.

So often, teenage disciples are not viewed as the church of today. They are often considered the church of the future. They usually have low expectations placed upon them.

These low expectations run counter to God’s expectations. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon urges young people to get busy serving the Lord with the same enthusiasm and zeal as older followers of God.

The Commandment

  • God commands young people to “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). God doesn’t want anyone to put off and procrastinate when beginning their service to Him.
  • Joseph began his service to God early (Genesis 37:1-2). The same was also true of Mary, Daniel, Josiah, David, and Jesus (Luke 2:41-52).
  • All of these people displayed courage, trust, faith, and obedience to God early in their lives.

The Motivation

  • There are many advantages to serving the Lord in the days of one’s youth. One of the main advantages mentioned by the wise man is good health, strength, and energy (Ecclesiastes 12:1-5).
  • The “evil days” refer to the difficulties that come with getting aging. The advanced years of life can often be not as delightful as the days of youth because of physical limitations.
  • Over time the body beings to experience bad eyesight (Ecclesiastes 12:2), trembling, loss of teeth (Ecclesiastes 12:3), loss of hearing (Ecclesiastes 12:4), and nervousness (Ecclesiastes 12:5).
  • The physical limitations attached to getting older should motivate young people to start using the heath and strength they have to serve God now!
  • They need to realize that youth and the prime of life are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).

The Work

  • Young disciples can shine and be righteous examples (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Timothy 4:12).
  • Young disciples can do evangelism (Matthew 28:19). They can teach their friends the gospel and invite them to worship assemblies and devotions.
  • Young people can encourage (1 Thessalonians 5:14). They can visit the sick, write cards to the grieving, and help each other stay faithful to God.
  • Young people can start discovering and developing the spiritual gifts God has given them (1 Peter 4:10-11). Parents should even be helping them do that by creating opportunities for them to do kingdom work.

Conclusion:

Ecclesiastes expresses Solomon’s regret about not serving God in the days of his youth. Let our young people learn from his mistake and start right now putting God first (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).