Youth Today

[Thompson, Darryl]

Youth Today

     Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1
Cor. 16:13  

     Christ told His disciples that in the world they should have
tribulation. They would be brought before kings and rulers for His sake;
all manner of evil would be spoken against them falsely, and those who
destroyed their lives would think they did God service. And all, in
every age, who have lived godly lives have suffered persecution in some
form. . . . They have suffered every indignity, outrage, and cruelty
which Satan could move upon minds to invent.  

     The world is as much opposed to genuine religion today as it ever
has been. . . .  

     The spirit of persecution will . . . be aroused against the
faithful ones, who make no concessions to the world, and will not be
swayed by its opinions, its favor, or its opposition. A religion that
bears a living testimony in favor of holiness and that rebukes pride,
selfishness, avarice, and fashionable sins will be hated by the world
and by superficial Christians. Marvel not, then, my youthful Christian
friends, if the world hates you; for it hated your Master before you.
When you suffer reproach and persecution, you are in excellent company;
for Jesus endured it all, and much more. If you are faithful sentinels
for God, these things are a compliment to you. It is the heroic souls,
who will be true if they stand alone, who will win the imperishable
crown. . . .  

     The way to eternal life is straight and narrow, and you will have
to press through many difficulties; but by persevering effort you may
win eternal life--the future, immortal inheritance. And the rest, the
peace, the glory at the end of the journey, will a thousand times repay
every exertion and sacrifice that you can make. 

>From My Life Today - Page 69