Living In The Light

September 19, Lines Of Service For Youth

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
—1 Timothy 4:12 LL 277.1

The teachers and students in our schools need the divine touch. God can do much more for them than He has done, because in the past His way has been restricted. If a missionary spirit is encouraged, even if it takes some hours from the program of regular study, much of heaven’s blessing will be given, provided there is more faith and spiritual zeal, more of a realization of what God will do. LL 277.2

There are many lines in which the youth can find opportunity for helpful effort. Companies should be organized and thoroughly educated to work as nurses, gospel visitors, and Bible readers, as canvassers, ministers, and medical missionary evangelists. LL 277.3

When school closes, there is opportunity for many to go out into the field as evangelistic canvassers. The faithful colporteur finds his way into many homes, where he leaves reading matter containing the truth for this time. Our students should learn how to sell our books. There is need of men and women of deep Christian experience, persons of well-balanced minds, strong, well-educated men and women, to engage in this branch of the work. Some have the talent, education, and experience that would enable them to educate the youth for the canvassing work in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now being done. Those who have this experience have a special duty to perform in teaching others. LL 277.4

The canvassing work is one of the Lord’s appointed agencies for extending the knowledge of the truth for this time. . . . As they have taken up the work disinterestedly, great blessing has come to them. Many have thus gained a knowledge of how to handle our larger books. LL 277.5

Wherever possible, students should, during the school year, engage in city mission work. They should do missionary work in the surrounding towns and villages. They can form themselves into bands to do Christian help work. Students should take a broad view of their present obligations to God. They are not to look forward to a time, after the school term closes, when they will do some large work for God, but should study how, during their student life, to yoke up with Christ in unselfish service for others.— Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students , pp. 546, 547. LL 277.6

Further Reflection: : What are some other areas in which youth can serve God today? LL 277.7