Young people are often radical, idealistic and full of energy. If there is a need to fight for something important, it’s usually the young people who do so. Many young people today want to do something for humanity. Solving the problem of cancer. Fighting for the environment. Battling hunger and poverty. Taking care of the weak in society. There are many things to do for those who want to make a difference.
But very few of them find something they stay committed to for a lifetime. Most people are involved for a time, but quickly become disappointed or are taken up by the cares and responsibilities of adult life. As the years go by, their good intentions are often replaced by following a career and the need for money.
So what does Christianity have to offer a young person that is full of energy and wants to make a difference?
The gospel gives us strength for today
The gospel about Jesus—His life, His death and His resurrection—opens many opportunities for someone who really wants to do something positive in the world! This gospel invites you to a life of serving your fellow man, a life where every day means a chance to give of yourself. It invites you to be along in meeting needs, to give the needy the help that will make them happy and thankful for the whole of eternity. Can you imagine a more meaningful and rewarding life?
Christianity is not about clever theories that we must learn and understand. It also doesn’t mean we have to do great human deeds. Christianity is not a life insurance against the day of judgment; it is something that gives us strength for today! Christianity is a life in which your personal development goes closely together with a growing willingness to help others. It is a life where you become more and more happy that you can be an instrument of God's care and mercy towards mankind.
This life is possible for everyone
This life is not only for people with a special personality, education, background or talent. It is possible for everyone. But there is one condition - God wants your whole heart. He wants your thoughts, your plans for the future, and He wants you to be loyal only to Him. He doesn’t want to share these with anyone. But if you give them these things, there is no limit to what He can do in and through you.
Those who have chosen this life will soon find that they also have to look inwardly. As a human being you fall short, because sin soon turns up—even when you truly want to be of help to others. This is when life really gets interesting! This is when you start to fight against your own selfishness, pride, jealousy, and all other sins that hinder you to be of help to others. God, who has received your whole heart, is watching carefully, and He will give you the power to overcome all these things.
Then it doesn’t take long before you start being full of joy. A deep thankfulness begins to fill your heart, a love for the Saviour that grows the rest of your life. The desire to help other people also grows. Life becomes meaningful and interesting and is much more satisfying than you could ever experience by following your own dreams or interests.
Christianity for young people
You don’t need to travel to far away countries to fulfil this desire to be of help. No, it’s enough to look around at your immediate surroundings. For someone who wants to help, there are lots of things to do!
Isn’t Christianity a message for young people who want to make a difference?