The church of the Christ is made up of many members. "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So, we, being many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Romans 12:4,5). Some have been members of the Lord’s body for many decades, and about them it can truthfully be said that they "have borne the burden and heat of the day" (Matthew 20:12). Yet other members, just as important and just as faithful in their service, are still quite young in years.

Our young people can be great workers in the Kingdom! We need to show them the work that needs to be done, we need to encourage them to join in the work, we need to demonstrate by our example how to do the work, and then we need to get them involved. Yea, we need to put our young people to work! We greatly err when we send the message to our young brothers and sisters in the Lord that their time to work will come someday out in the distant future. No, sir! If a person is in the vineyard of the Lord, then he/she needs to work right now, regardless of his/her age.

Our young people have great energy. Let’s funnel it in a positive direction by putting them to work. Our young people are intelligent. Let’s use their smarts in the Lord’s work. Our young people are eager to show older folks that they can work with the best of us. Let’s give them a chance. Let’s exhort them, help them, support them, and lead them. It will pay great dividends. As they work they will grow, and as they grow, the church will be strengthened.

Just what can our young saints be doing in the Master’s work? Perhaps the only answer that some young people ever hear is that young brothers can serve or lead in some aspect of public worship, and young sisters can help in a small children’s class in VBS. It is encouraging indeed, to see our young people involved in those areas of work. However, in addition to their service in public Bible classes or public worship that we have just noted, young members of the church can work in many other areas. There is more that they can do, much more. For instance, our young people can be helpful to the Cause of the Lord if they will do the following:

1. Be a good example – "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" ( 1 Timothy 4:12). All disciples, young and old, are to be the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:16). Young people can be a wonderful influence on their friends and young relatives by showing a godly example.

2. Respect their parents – In the sight of God "obey your parents" and "honour thy father and mother" are still in style (Ephesians 6:1,2). Young Christians, how you treat your parents will go a long way in influencing your younger brothers and sisters in the flesh and other little kids of the congregation. If you respect and obey your parents, the little folks will notice. On the other hand, they will also not forget if they hear you sass your mama or slam the door and pout after your dad says "no" to one of your requests.

3. Teach the gospel to the lost – Our young people are some of our most soul-conscious people. Just like Paul wanted Israel to be saved (Romans 10:1), they want their friends and family to be saved. They are eager to help them learn the truth. Young people, you can give appropriate tracts to your friends. You can invite them to Bible class or worship services. You can give them a copy of a sermon tape that you think would help them. You can set up private Bible studies where either you or someone else can teach. Young people can be great door-openers. Some of the most effective young people we have in the church today spent many hours knocking doors with their parents when they were younger.

4. Serve those with special needs – Young people can brighten the day of an older person that is in the hospital, nursing home, or is recovering at home from recent surgery. It is a good thing to "visit" the sick (Matthew 25:36), and that is certainly something that young people can do. We need to remember to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27). Young people can be effective helpers in this area. There are many opportunities for such service. Depending on the time of year and location, young people might be able to help widows or other elderly saints by helping them plant a garden, mow the lawn, rake leaves, or scoop snow. Dads and moms, why not make a special point to take your kids and do some visiting, encouraging, and assisting people with special needs? This will help young people develop the habit of such visits and doing helpful deeds that will "come natural" to them throughout their whole lives. On the other hand, if young Christians do not see their parents doing such worthy deeds, then most likely they will not develop the habit, either.

5. Study the Bible – Young people are faced with great pressure and pull from the world. The message of Psalm 119 is still powerful medicine today for our young people: "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word . . . Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You" (119:9,11, NKJV). Also, studying the Bible helps our young saints be better prepared to teach their friends and family members the gospel of salvation (Romans 1:16).

6. Sit, listen and learn when older people speak – There is so much for young Christians to learn from older brothers and sisters in the Lord. They have fought many battles, traveled many roads, and weathered many storms. Being respectful to older people and gleaning lessons from their past mistakes and victories can help a young person keep his/her head on straight and his/her life headed in the right direction.

7. Encourage smaller kids – Little fellas usually look up to middle-school aged kids and teenagers. If young people will take time to encourage the little folks, pat them on the back, and take them under their wing instead of brushing them off, that just might go a long way to help them love the church.

No doubt there are many other items that we could add to a list of things that our young people can do. Christians that are teenagers or younger are not ready to be overseers, deacons, or the wives of such men. Young members of the body of the Christ, can, however, basically be involved in almost every aspect of the work of the church that other Christians are.

Dads and moms, grandmas and grandpas, we need to take the charge in showing our offspring how to work for Jesus! We need to show them the joy of serving in His church. Parents and grandparents need to be the "youth ministers" that our kids can count on for encouragement, training, guidance, and support.

Young brothers and sisters, we love you. We want you to go to heaven. We want you to work with us in the Lord’s work in every way that you possibly can. May God help us all to abound in His work for His glory (1 Corinthians 15:58).

-- Roger D. Campbell