Thoughts for Young Converts.
John 21:22 • 4 min. read • grade level: 6
"FOLLOW thou Me" (John 21:2222Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. (John 21:22)). This is our Lord's clear call. Take these three words, pray over them, and let them control your life. Follow CHRIST. He will never disappoint or misunderstand you. Your fellow-Christians may, so do not copy them. They are only worth copying in so far as they copy Christ. But to copy them is as foolish as the schoolboy who, instead of always copying the head-line itself, copies the copy in his exercise book. Then follow Christ. How much for God's glory and your blessing lies wrapped up in those three simple yet far-reaching words!
"Give attendance to reading" (1 Tim. 4:1313Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)). The Christian is a man of one book. The Bible contains for him the whole revealed mind of God, and "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." There is nothing so enervating as the reading of silly religious novels and the neglect of the Scriptures. Young believer, read your Bible. Read it regularly, prayerfully, systematically. You may read many books written by servants of Christ to great profit, but above all go to the fountain head of knowledge and truth—the Word of God. It is a shame to find how ignorant many Christians are of the one book, which has brought them news of salvation, and by which they may grow in the knowledge of God Himself.
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:1717Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)). Dependence becomes the Christian. In it lies his safety. The strongest Christian is the one who clings most. Turn everything into prayer. Make it the habit of your soul. "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep" [literally, garrison] "your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6, 76Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6‑7)). Have your stated times for prayer; but at all times and in all places, and under all circumstances, let your heart turn to the Lord for help, support, guidance. A Christian Who reads and does not pray becomes merely intellectual in the things of God; the Christian who prays and does not read is fervent but unintelligent as to God's mind; but the Christian who reads in the spirit of prayer will grow in the true knowledge of God.
"To every man his work," (Mark 13:3434For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. (Mark 13:34)). I solemnly believe that idleness is a blight that rests on many to-day. Dear young Christian, if you were only converted yesterday, find something to do for Christ. Only let your work spring from real communion, and let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Do the first simple thing that comes -to your hand, and wait not for a grand beginning. You may not be called to preach to crowds, but you can read the Scriptures to an aged dying pilgrim, or put a tract into the hand of a passer-by. All truly great works have been growths. All honored servants of Christ have begun' simply and humbly. Do not dream of great things, but do little ones in a humble spirit. That will be a great beginning.
"Meditate upon these things" (1 Tim. 4:1515Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (1 Timothy 4:15)). If laziness is a blight, over-activity is equally to be deplored. Beware of a restless state in which you cannot be content unless doing, doing, DOING. See that you get not so occupied with your own work as to have no sympathy for other people's, and no time to care for your own soul. Whilst looking after the vineyards of others, take care that your own is not covered with weeds. Find time, like Mary, to sit at the Master's feet and hear His words, and may you ever go out from His presence in the enjoyment of His love and with the assurance that you are sent. If the Lord shall say, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for -Us?" how happy will be your response, "Here am I; send me," and how joyful will be your service! The day of reward draws near. The Lord is coming quickly. Soon the day of need will be over; but, oh! how privileged we are to serve such a Master, who does not send His servants at their own charges! A. J. P.