Guidance for Youth: Choosing Eternal Destiny Over Compromise

Your friend should understand that youth is the most critical time to decide his eternal destiny, as the character built today determines his future rewardAH 416.4+1. He needs to realize that true religion is not a burden but a source of physical health and mental strength that brings genuine happinessCG 298.3+1. Remind him that God is a loving Friend who understands the trials of the young because He once stood at the head of humanity Himself18LtMs, Ms 80, 1903, par. 29. It is vital to warn him that there is no middle ground in the great struggle between good and evil; every compromise with the world is a step toward losing his soul foreverBEcho April 9, 1894, par. 6+1. Encourage him to find moral independence and the courage to stand for principle, rather than following the impulses and fashions of a degenerate age1MCP 268.3+1. Finally, tell him that waiting upon God is the highest use of his time, as it prepares him for a life that is as lasting as eternityCG 298.3+1.

It Is Regarded by Many as Old-fashioned—The education that is lasting as eternity is almost wholly neglected as old-fashioned and undesirable. The educating of the children to take hold of the work of character building in reference to their present good, their present peace and happiness, and to guide their feet in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, is considered not fashionable and, therefore, not essential. In order to have your chil...— CG 298.3 (1954)

Children, I have a message for you. You are now deciding your future destiny, and your character building is of that kind which will exclude you from the Paradise of God.... How sad it is for Jesus, the world's Redeemer, to look upon a family where the children h...— AH 416.4 (1952)

...is surrendering the peace of Christ to make peace with the world, to fraternize with the world. The sacrifice is too costly to be made, to have peace with the world by giving up the principles of truth— BEcho April 9, 1894, par. 6 (1892)

...mpossible for them upon all points to think and act rationally. They have not well-balanced minds. Godliness and righteousness is not destructive to health, but is health to the body and strength to the soul. Says Peter: “He that will love life, and see good days, let him eschew evil, and do good; le...— T12 6.1 (1867)

...a twoedged sword which cuts both ways. This life and death question is before the whole human race. The choice we make in this life will be our choice through all eternity. We shall receive either eternal life or eternal death. There is no middle ground, no second probat...— 15LtMs, Lt 156, 1900, par. 15

...hastity and temperance. Let none begin to reform and then stop. Resolve to overcome the wicked one. True victory is gained only when the repentant sinner pledges himself to unconditional obedience to God—only when he pledges himself to honor God in every word, every business transaction, every ac...— 17LtMs, Ms 55, 1902, par. 6

...with all our trials and afflictions. He could have surrounded Himself with angels of glory; but no; He condescended to be made like unto His brethren. He was not born as a price into this world, but was of humble parentage. He understands the trials of the poor. He knows all about the temptations we meet in daily life. We may safely put our trust in Him— 18LtMs, Ms 80, 1903, par. 29