Lamentations 3:27

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke of his youth.

Introduction

Every age group has advantages that other age groups do not have. Most aged matriarchs and patriarchs have the advantage of wisdom from their life-long experiences. This wisdom must be shared with the younger generations. Young people have the advantage of boundless energy. This energy must be channeled in the right direction. When we join the wisdom of Christian elders and the energy of Christian youth, the sky is not even the limit of what can be achieved. We can soar far beyond the sky.

Paul shared his wisdom with young Timothy and young Titus, and they maximized their youthfulness. He tried to share it with Demas, but Demas would not be receptive. Thank God, at Antioch-Lithonia, four generations work together in Christian harmony. That is one of the many reasons we consider ourselves to be the greatest church in the universe.

In our text, if I may paraphrase, Jeremiah said, “People ought to work hard while they are still young.” This truth is crude, basic, blunt and not poetic. Jeremiah was writing while God’s people were in exile in Babylon. False prophets had given false hope and said God would deliver them in a short while. Jeremiah had to correct them. He said God would deliver them because God is faithful, but it would be in seventy years. He told them to be patient, because they were experiencing the judgement of God for being disobedient. In the meantime, the young people should be working hard in a positive way. Unfortunate conditions and victimization do not excuse you from doing what you are supposed to do. Jeremiah is saying, “Work hard developing yourselves, and it will pay off in the long run. Don’t waste your youthful energy in a never-ending pity party. Do something constructive despite the unfavorable conditions. Work hard!” The question: Work hard doing what? Let me give you a few suggestions. I am sure you can think of many more.

Exposition

1. Work Hard Learning And Loving God’s Holy Word.

(Psalm 119:9-11; 2nd Timothy 2:15; 2nd Timothy 3:13.)

2. Work Hard Developing Effective Godly Habits.

(Pray A Lot.)

(Read A Lot.)

(Be Respectable.)

(Exercise Self-Discipline.)

3. Work Hard Developing A Worshipping Lifestyle.

(Make Church Attendance A Top Priority.)

(When You Can’t Attend In Person, Worship Online.)

Closing Thoughts

Christian young people need to see their lives as meaningful and relevant now and in the future. A man set out a magnolia tree sapling. When it was small, it resembled a bush and made a few pretty blooms that everyone admired. When it grew to maturity, it made many more pretty blooms, but it also provided shade for the entire family. They had barbecues and Bible class under the shade of the mature tree. The tree provided a valuable service throughout its maturation process. It did not wait until it was sixty feet tall to begin to bloom. The children in the neighborhood used it to play hide and go seek. When it was the size of a bush, they hid behind the foliage; when it grew large, they hid behind the trunk. Later, the owner built a tree house in it for his grandchildren. Like this tree, if we are in Christ, we can be a blessing in every stage of life, from youth to maturity. I will close with a few of the lyrics of one of the old school hymns we sang in my youth.

“Give of your best to the Master;

Give all the strength of your youth;

Dress in salvation’s full amour,

Join in the battle for truth.

Jesus has set the example;

Fearless was He, young and brave;

Give Him your loyal devotion,

Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;

Give all the strength of your youth;

Dress in salvation’s full amour,

Join in the battle for truth.

Join in the battle for truth!”

Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!

Copyright © 2025 by James C. Ward