Youth

The other day I noticed a catalogue on which a giant neon title had been printed: All Eyes on Youth. More and more often I come across catalogues, magazines, and ads projecting that coveted image of youth. Buyers flock to grocery and drug stores in order to purchase the latest product that will retain their youthful appearance. Now I'm not against youth in the slightest - some of the very best things in the world have been designed for youth, and my favorite memories were made in my earliest days of youth. In fact, I am a youth blogging about it. What could be more youthful? I do have a concern for those who chase after it, though, like an unfulfilled dream. While the Bible has some very encouraging things to say about youth, it seems that the focus is on wisdom and righteousness instead. In fact, Proverbs 16:31 says, "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." A crown of glory... that sounds like something worth pursuing. Notice that it didn't mention perfectly tinted hair or a smooth face deprived of wrinkles. Also, Job 12:12 notes, "Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding." In our culture, wisdom is no longer revered. The aged who do possess it are snubbed and labelled "old-fashioned". Those who are reaching maturity frantically search any way to preserve their looks. In turn, not only are their looks preserved but their mindsets also. We are surrounded by a generation that lusts after its toys - carefree, irresponsible, lazy, oblivious. So long as everlasting fun is provided, Lampwick need never grow up. And then they wonder why they are so miserable, why they're always seeking but never finding. When the Bible does praise youth, it is for the faith and trust of a child. If we want to retain something from our youth, it should be the simple trust that came naturally as a child: the trust that relies on God, who is able to crown the lilies of the valley with greater beauty than man could ever create, for that jewel known as wisdom.