The Enemy in the Camp Part 4: Youth and the Lie

In no way do I intend this writing to be demeaning toward youth, those who are young either in years or newness of salvation. Youth brings exuberance but can also bring an attitude of over-confidence and also a sense of having more experience and knowledge than is actually possessed. Often this occurs when there is some, but not much, experience.

There are few youth that escape the years of becoming self-thought experts. The old adage, “fools rush in,” must have been coined for those 14 to 25 years of age. To the young, it seems that in their minds, their elders enter a stage of unknowing rather than being respected or sought for their years of experience.

There is another old saying that applies here: “Old age and wisdom trumps youth and exuberance every time.” Sadly, most must learn this life lesson the hard way. Scripture teaches the young to honor their Father and Mother. Doing so is not only an act of obedience, but also brings a gift of wisdom to the young because seeking the experience of their elders saves much grief for a young man or woman.

Unfortunately, the so-called public education systems have attempted, and in many ways succeeded, in diverting the youth from listening to their elders and has provided them with base information leaving a false sense of knowing rather than encouraging the young to seek experience.

Proverbs 3:5-6, 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV

In his execution of those wicked plans the great deceiver preys primarily on weaker minds. This time of “I know everything,” resulting in not listening to the experience of others results in unnecessary trials. In many, this becomes life lessons to later be shared in the same vicious cycle.

This is why the Scripture teaches, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they won’t depart from it.” I believe one very important lesson to teach our youth is found in Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

I often tell young and old alike to reference the Word of God in every situation, and I will commonly reference Scripture that applies to topics of discussion because I have learned through the experience of far too many mistakes and failures that walking in accordance to the Word prevents those mistakes common to man in his own understanding. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,” should be rule number one for every believer and the same in the rearing of children, teaching them the same primary rule in their lives.

I’ll pause to say this: I certainly am not nor have I been the perfect parent. I myself went through my all-knowing, self-inflicted pain growing up. Having been saved at age 35, the multitude and magnitude of my mistakes as a parent sickens me. However, as long as we have a living audience it is never too late to become that beacon of absolute obedience to the Word in the lives of all those we encounter, especially our children. 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” We are told quite clearly to look up to our elders and their wisdom, and in the following verse, 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, we see that humbling yourself is to understand there exists something greater than ourselves, be it in power or wisdom or authority.

No one can be both proud and humble! God demands humility and He despises the proud, for pride is the way of Satan and humility is the way of Christ. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is wickedness; it is enmity to God because one who is proud places themselves above God. Pride is blasphemy to the very creation of mankind, denying the sovereignty of God the Creator and placing one’s self above God and first in one’s own heart.

A message to all youth and believers: do not allow this world to fill you with pride. Shun it always with all your strength, not allowing your mind to believe you have attained anything completely, but instead continually seeking to improve and grow in your walk with our Lord.

Deny the lie that is common to youth everywhere: the lie of believing you know, and seek instead to learn from the elders who have lived and experienced. Listen, read, and continually keep the flame of desire for understanding alive in you heart, mind, and soul! This will grow to become a great treasure in your life in your later years.

Galatians 6:7-8, 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ESV

Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple