Living In The Light

October 17, Youth Called To Take Up Their Cross

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
—Matthew 16:24 LL 306.1

The Word of God is a great simplifier of life’s complicated pursuits. To every earnest seeker it imparts a divine wisdom. We should never forget that we have been redeemed by suffering. It is the precious blood of Christ that makes atonement for us. By toil and sacrifice and peril, by losses of worldly goods, and in agony of soul the gospel has been borne to the world. God calls young people in the vigor and strength of their youth to share with Him self-denial, sacrifice, and suffering. If they accept the call, He will make them His instruments to save souls for whom He died. But He would have them count the cost and enter upon their work with a full knowledge of the conditions upon which they serve a crucified Redeemer. . . . LL 306.2

. . . Those who have a form of godliness are denying, by their unconsecrated lives, the power of the truth to make men and women wise unto salvation. Look at the history of the apostles, who suffered poverty, disgrace, abuse, and even death for the truth’s sake. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for Christ. LL 306.3

If great results can be attained by great efforts and great suffering, who of us that are subjects of divine grace can refuse the sacrifice? The gospel of Christ includes in its requirements every soul that has heard the message of glad tidings. What shall we render unto God for all His benefits to us? His matchless mercy can never be repaid. We can, only by willing obedience and grateful service, testify our loyalty, and crown with honor our Redeemer. LL 306.4

I have no higher wish than to see our youth imbued with that spirit of pure religion which will lead them to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Go forth, young disciples of Christ, controlled by principle, clad in the robes of purity and righteousness. Your Savior will guide you into the position best suited to your talents and where you can be most useful. In the path of duty you may be sure of receiving grace sufficient for your day. LL 306.5

The preaching of the gospel is God’s chosen agency for the salvation of souls. But our first work should be to bring our own hearts into harmony with God, and then we are prepared to labor for others.— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 86—88. LL 306.6

Further Reflection: : How can you support youth who have decided to follow Christ? LL 306.7