When asked to write an article for Beacon Lights, I was glad, because it gives an opportunity to say something to our Young People. But the subject of our Young People and an evaluation of them scares me. What does one say about them? Where do you find reference material for such a subject? If you are critical, the Young People resent it. If you have nothing but praise—they know better. This article will, I hope, help to give our Young People and parents of Young People some warnings, but especially some encouragement and direction for the times in which we live.

I’m convinced that our Young People, and by that I mean P.R. Young People, are the single most important objects our churches have. I don’t mean as opposing the Truth or doctrines we hold dear, but in distinction from the work and people of our churches. We, who are the fathers and mothers and all older people in our churches, must take a back seat in import­ance to our young people. And also the direction of our churches’ work must be with that in mind. This is said with a view to the preaching, teaching, and our mission work.

The previous statements were made from the point of view that our Young People are the future Prot. Ref. Church. The things we learn as Young People will give the basis for the direction of our churches, not only politically but most importantly, doctrinally in the future. The importance of catechism, and our own schools cannot be overestimated.

But there is more. And this is not only to be read and applied by our Young People, but by parents and ministers as well. I believe the sermons preached should be directed to our Young People. Not the entire sermon, but specific points made and emphasis laid on the admoni­tions of Scripture. And where the minister leads the catechism classes or Young People Societies that application is made for our walk as Young People.

And to our parents—How do you help our young people in a Christian walk? I’ve heard parents talk. What can we do for our Young People? What can they do 5 or 6 nights a week? If they go bowling one night in a week and spend another just wandering around the various shopping malls or plazas or maybe another at some circus or local fair, what can they do with the remainder of their time? Some parents are probably even encouraged to see their own Young People stay home and watch T.V. instead of running around like their friends’ children in the local bars or other night spots.

All this is negative thinking. And to come with something positive with respect to our Young People is next to impossible. However, in this respect, I think much improvement could be made. I’m convinced that all our parents could be much more diligent in encouraging our Young People to attend local young people activities. I know that writing this in the Grand Rapids area is different than in many of our western churches. But I be­lieve this encouragement can also be ap­plied there. And I’m not only thinking of the conventions and local mass meetings for the spiritual benefit of our Young People but all the things our young people do as Young People—whether this be swimming parties, hay rides, basketball games, or any and all Young People spon­sored activities. The value does not always lie in what spiritual value does it have, but in the communion and fellowship of our own Young People. I know too that every­thing the kids do is not good or healthy for them, but the importance lies in being together. For after all, that sets the pattern as to where their friends and associates are looked for.

Now to you Young People. As Youth Coordinator of the Federation Board, I’m again experiencing firsthand the exuber­ance and endless source of energy of you Young People. I’ve heard it said that this past convention had less sleep time than any previous one. Having been there, I agree. I couldn’t help but think, if only this energy were directed in the right way.

Having been young once myself, I know that one thought comes to mind—FUN!! How can I have a good time? Not what can benefit me spiritually but where can I go to have a Blast. And if you are restricted in your movements to a designated place such as the previous convention, then you are resourceful enough to make your own fun—card games, basketball, etc. And I’m glad that as young people you can do that.

However, if instead you would get seated around a fireplace or lounge at the convention or in the living room of our various homes and sit and talk over spiritual situations and problems which are unique to young people, you might be surprised how much FUN this would be. We could all benefit from studies of various Scriptural passages. I know,—I can hear it already. “Do you think we are a bunch of square old fogies?” Let me ask you this. Have you ever tried it? I mean, instead of looking for fun times apart from God’s Word and our Confessions, to sit and go over some of these things. Not an in depth study to begin with, but as you become acquainted with what you are studying, the Scriptures and/or Confes­sions will begin to open new avenues and ideas for discussions and personal bless­ing. As I stated near the beginning of the article, you Young People are the future P.R. Church. And as we near the end of time this becomes increasingly more important. I wish there were some way to make all of our young people more aware of this.

Let’s not see how close to the world and worldliness we can walk, but instead how close to God and His Word we can walk. This begins at home with personal devotions. Very little time is spent by us in prayer and Scripture reading alone. And this is true not only of you Young People but also our parents. The more time we spend benefiting our spiritual lives the more we want to spend. In that way also we will be equipped to fight in the battle of life as the good soldier of the Cross, putting on the whole armour of salvation, which is the Word of God.

In conclusion, let’s remember this in the new society season. Let’s prepare our­selves in the study of God’s Word. Let’s be determined anew to equip ourselves to fight in God’s army and be ready to take our places in the Church so that God’s Word may continue to the end.

That means also in our education and training. When thinking of occupations in the future, we think of the ministry and teaching professions. Maybe this isn’t what we like or desire to do, but maybe God has called us to these vocations. Study and prayer will determine many of these things. Always remember this Scriptural admonition in II Tim. 2:15—“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”