What are some responsibilities of young people?

Psalm 71:17O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.

Proverbs 22:6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Jeremiah 3:4You say to me, “Father, you have been my guide since my youth.”

God desires to guide us and help us throughout our lives. Youth is the threshold for the rest of life. We should make the most of it.

2 Kings 22:1-2Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. . . . He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.

One of the ways we can please God is to learn from the examples of our godly ancestors, both from what they did right but also what they did wrong. Having a godly heritage is a great blessing, but anyone can bless others by creating their own godly heritage. And even outside a heritage through godly mentors, we have all of the Bible’s examples of God’s people who learned how to live faithfully for God. We can learn much from them if we are willing to observe and listen.

Titus 2:6In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.

1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Our lives should be an example to others, even in youth. More often than we realize, someone is watching us, to follow in our steps. For their sakes, we must be careful where and how we walk.

Ecclesiastes 12:1Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”

Remembering and honoring God is key to making the most of our youth and the profound preparation for our years ahead. Nothing is more sad than a bitter elderly person who has wasted his or her life apart from God.

Proverbs 10:5A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.

Proverbs 20:29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

Young people are to work hard, taking advantage of their strength and opportunities. In old age, this hard work will form the foundation for the wisdom of experience.