Every time I read a story by or about a child or youth who unreservedly loves and serves God, my heart soars into the clouds, feeling ten times lighter and, almost without fail, I pray that he or she will continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow his or her life to be shaped by God. I praise God for such youths.
Blessed are the youths whose first love is God and whose fruit of the Spirit is a light to guide younger and older alike. Wisdom knows no age limits. Neither does being a source of inspiration.
Blessed are the youths with an empathetic heart and an appreciation for God’s Great Commission and those who follow the call.
Blessed are the youths who know their limitations and depend upon God, growing in faith, who are sons and daughters of encouragement, and who live by prayer.
Blessed are the youths who are bold in witness, active in participation and faithful in duty, who hunger for God’s word and display His righteousness.
Blessed are the youths who live with purpose, thoughtfully interacting with friends and neighbors, displaying a Christ-like character and impacting their lives for the better.
Blessed are the youths who recognize the value of others and appreciate them, who support their parents’ work as missionaries, and who actively pray for and share Jesus with the unreached. They, too, have accepted the call.
Blessed are the youths who, though of other faiths, recognize and appreciate Christ in others, hear the Holy Spirit speaking to them, and are moving closer to Him through their actions. They are perfect in their spiritual development. May they grasp the hand of Christ and follow Him into the waters of baptism. May they, as young missionaries, lead their families and communities to Jesus.
Blessed are the youths who live by a higher standard than found in the world.
Of such is the kingdom of God. Hinder them not in coming unto Jesus—nay, encourage them to sit at His feet.
