The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1947-11-27

What, Christian friends is tn,
challenge qa youth? Eternal vigil
ance. May We consider two import
ant questions? Whence came ye'
Whittier are you going?
Whence came ye? In these critica
days with its many trials, much con
fusion and bewilderment we hardl,
know which way to 60.
What of our youth who are look
ing to us for guidance?
Are they not also perplexed? Are
they not seeking the best way t.
a victorious life?
Many things we do not know. but
one thing we know, we are here
Whence came we? We came from
God. Genesis 2:7 God made mar
from the dust of the earth anc
breathed into his nostrils the breath
of life and man became a LIVING
soul" Yes, we are here. What shall
we do about it. May we build or
what understanding we have.
Whittier are we going? We know
not, how or when, but our ultimate
goal is Heaven. Shall we reach it?
All depends on us, for Christ has
returned, is preparing a place, will
come again for us. We must watch
while we work and pray until Jesus
comes.
We are here and the first two
words of the Lords Prayer, "Our
Father" signifies the Fatherhood of
God, and the Brotherhood of Man
We have one goal, Eternity with
Jesus; one example, Jesus Christ;
A common guide book, The Holy
Bible, and common work. We have
different vocations, but a common
work, building a life; a common
workshop, Gods big world.
When youth, I read a lovely
poem containing this central
Thought: Il wish l had been His ap-
prentice and worked in the Nazar-
eth shop" l thought it a beautiful
poem and found myself wishing
with the author.
GethSemane, II went a little fur
ther" in my thinking. That is exact
ly what we are doing. We are serv-
ing an apprenticeship here as we
travel life's highway.
Christ was the master workman.
He made all honest labor sacred. We
are all life builders. Then, too, we
are helping God build His world.
At the end of life's road? Eternity
The nature of our abiding place de-
pends upon the material we treasure
up each day from life's workshop
Death? Yes, it is between US and
our Heavenly home. But, death is
only a transfer into another phase
of life. Eternal life began when we
began and never ceases.
My dear young people, it matters
not what vocation you choose.
Choose the one for which you are
best fitted and in which you will
be most interested. Much depends
upon the spirit or attitude in which
you work. Too much time should
not be wasted in seeking superior
fields in waiting for more splendid
opportunities. Do those things which
need to be done, little things, deeds
near at hand. They may prove to be
the open door TO richer fields, and
more abundant living If you have
power, it will show itself. If you arc
worthy Of better things, they will
ultimately come to you.
We are workers together with
God in the achievement Of the ends
and purposes of existence. A grow
ing, expanding, open mind is a con-
dition for the Divine partnership.
The challenge of youth? Self-dis-
cipline VS.. selfishness. Where shall
we school ourselves? In the Trinity
of Instruction? The home, school,
and the church.
We often feel as though our youth
were victims of circumstances. You
did not create the conditions of
which you find yourself a part.
Youth must reap that which your
elders have soWn. True, but while
you are reaping, you are also sow
ing
You, too, will hand down an in
heritance to your posterity. Thus the
of youth. Shall you give
more and better than you receive?
We hope so. If so, there is one thing
needful. BE vigilant, be sober, |
learn self discipline. You need some
Self-love (self-respecD appreciation
and affirmation of ones own worth.
Unless you appreciate and develop |
your own worth, you have nothing
with which to love others. Thou |
shalt love the neighbor as thyself" !