I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14.

The rich young ruler who came to Christ seeking eternal life had just about everything. We do not know how he looked, how tall he was. He had brains, personality, education, and probably was attractive. He may have had all the makings of a good athlete. He asked the right questions. He had a good moral character. He had everything, but he was not ready to give it away for that which was supremely worthwhile, the one indispensable qualification for success, the willingness and ability to commit himself to the cause of God.

The present generation of young people are the most competent we have ever seen and also the most criticized. Many are ready to commit their lives to some worthy cause. They do not ask, "Is it hard?" but "Is it worthwhile?" The Christian faith has something heroic that can capture young people. It requires total involvement.

It is easy to say that all that young people need is a right relationship to God, then all other things will be taken care of; but youth problems and desires are not solved by cliches.

The name of Jesus must become more than a catchword, more than a sentimental phrase. Being a Christian carries with it the clear conviction that loyalty to our God and obedience to the Word of God precedes all else.

Allegiance to God and His Son means conflict with the world. There is no way we can reconcile ourselves as Christians to the paganism of our day. Christ has redeemed us to a life that is true, free, bold, daring, compassionate. He offers no soft and easy road into the kingdom of God. The challenge is to sacrifice and suffering. There must be no turning back.

Within the institution of religion we must avoid that mental attitude that insists on the privilege to rule, rather than to serve. This is no time for an easy adherence to a program. We must go beyond that. All churches are not alike. We must believe in the uniqueness of the remnant church to which we belong and in the divine commission given to us. We must hear and answer the call of God to join the drive that will prepare the way for the coming of Christ.