An old sage instructs the young to get serious about living for God now

3 min read

And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:15

We aren’t naive to the fact that most young people are probably not reading things like this devotional blog. Since they have the option of getting information in other formats, like short videos and podcasts, most of them will pass on reading anything more than a few lines if it isn’t necessary.

And why not? Why take the time and effort to read when you can just press play?

But for those exceptional younger individuals who still appreciate the beauty and benefit of reading words, this is for you.

A genre for the young

The wisdom literature of the Bible, especially Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, is a genre intended for younger audiences. The basic structure of the writing is that of an older, wiser individual speaking truth into the heart and mind of an attentive young person.

For example, toward the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon says,

“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget you Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.” -12:1

Solomon, “the teacher,” continues this theme in the lines that follow, using striking imagery to describe the process of growing old.

But Solomon’s poetic advice to the young could be summed up with just one word: BEFORE.

He urges the young to live for God before you get old. Give your best to God before your best leaves you. Don’t wait. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t waste your life. Stop presuming that you will have opportunity to get to it later when you can get to it right now.

He says,

“Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait…” -12:6

Today’s the day

Over the years, I have had opportunity to minister at the bedsides of many people in their dying moments. Those conversations are about as real as a conversation can be. It’s interesting, in all those conversations never once have I heard anyone say, “I wish I had waited longer before I got serious about my relationship with Jesus.” Never once.

Today’s the day. Live for the One who died to give you life. You’ll never regret it.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.