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Impetuous Youth
What a sad commentary on life and our world. Tis the moral urgency of the day.
“I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.”
W.H. Auden, “September 1, 1939”
Petulant pouting young men. Vain. Ungracious. Mad at the world and everyone in it. Struggling for independence. Tested by the environment and the desires of their hearts. Constricted by expectations from their peers. Experiencing overwhelming uncertainty in the midst of societal pressures like “slow smoke, flapping its adjacent sail.” Headstrong with a look of such loathing that sears the soul. Calloused consciences that forever taint attitudes and lives to their demise. Leading to scorn and disdain. Becoming prisoners of these bonds. Lessons learned from those of a similar vein. And thus, failing to heed the sage advice of those older and wiser.
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,”
Proverbs 1.8
It’s the picture of a young man on the cusp of a new life and unexplored potential. Yet, like Rehoboam of old, he is encumbered by very real burdens including the anxiety of mortality and the pressures of conformity tempered by a deep need to carve out an identity of his own. If not corrected, the path that awaits them is dire. Graphically represented by the proverb:
“The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
Proverbs 30.17
Even now, we should be stimulated and compelled to consider the possibilities that come with youth. The untapped potential coupled with the tremendous responsibility that comes with molding young minds in conformity with the mind of God Himself. A sobering thought indeed. Sons and daughters alike need an acute awareness of the Preacher’s words:
“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come…”
Ecclesiastes 12.1a
And come they surely will.
But who will take on this mantle? Passing down the Father’s teachings to future generations? Becoming vigilant in protecting them from the dangers of neglecting or even forgetting the faith?
It’s a task with which we all are faced. And not just parents alone. But all who are of the household of faith. We need to buttress their hearts and minds with the mettle needed when faced with the demands of a world who cares not one iota how or even if they survive. Brethren answering the call to provide resiliency for them to cope both courageously and humbly. Developing a consciousness to ascertain the wiles of the Tempter and know that our God has provided the means by which they can overcome. And to sculpt and mold young hearts and minds into the very likeness of the One who cares.
Our call is to save people from themselves with the Word of life. And along with that, save our most precious commodity… the souls of our children. Supplying guidance and instruction that is both insightful, prudent, and godly.
We can. We must.
