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To The Young Believer 

 

There’s no better time to serve God than when you’re young. Your energy is at its peak, your passion is unmatched, and your heart is pure toward the things of God. Scripture tells us, “It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:27). When you’re young, you have the strength to carry that yoke and run with a vision that others might be too tired to pursue.  

 

I remember when I was young, hungry for more of God. I would stay up late into the night, studying Scripture and praying because it wasn’t just a duty; it was life. My mother would knock on my door, reminding me to sleep because school was in the morning. But I was captivated by a purpose bigger than anything else I knew.

 

For the first time, I felt like I had something to offer this world—something of value, something that would last. And guess what? You have that too. You have greatness inside you, something special that God has placed there for a reason. You aren’t here by accident. You have a destiny.

 

But here’s what no one tells you enough: youth is full of energy and potential, but it also comes with traps. There are pitfalls that can waste your time and drain your purpose. That’s why Paul tells Timothy:  

“Flee youthful LUSTS, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

 

At first, I thought Paul was just talking about sexual temptations. But I learned that youthful lusts are bigger than that. They are the strong urges and passions that can either build you up or tear you down, depending on whether they are led by faith or by impulse. 

 

The world often uses your zeal and energy against you. People who don’t have your best interests at heart can take advantage of your hunger for purpose. They may try to shape you into something you’re not, using false teachings, imbalanced lifestyles, and empty traditions. They’ll drain your strength without giving you real-world skills, leaving you unprepared for life.

 

But here’s the truth: Life isn’t just about church services, revivals, conferences, or even preaching. God didn’t design you just for the inside of a church building. Church is meant to be a launching pad, not a cage. It’s where you learn to serve, but you’re called to serve in the world too.  

 

Paul didn’t stop with warning Timothy about youthful desires. He also told him to follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace—and not just on his own, but with people who are also seeking God with pure hearts.

 

Pure-hearted people will help you grow. They’ll tell you that it’s okay to miss a Sunday service to go to work. They’ll remind you that while your zeal is good, your responsibilities outside of church are just as important. They’ll teach you balance.

 

I wish someone had told me when I was 15 that there was more to life than preaching. I wish someone had told me that church is a conduit to your purpose, not the purpose itself. God’s plans for you are bigger than the four walls of any building. Some of the greatest things He will do through you will happen outside those walls, in the everyday moments of life.  

 

So here’s my advice: Find an older, wiser mentor. Sit down and talk with someone who’s been where you are. Let them share their hard-earned wisdom with you. Learn from their mistakes so you don’t have to make the same ones. Let them remind you that while it’s noble to serve, you also need to build a life that honors the full spectrum of who God made you to be.  

 

You’re destined for greatness. But greatness comes from balance. It comes from learning how to live an abundant life—one that embraces both faith and wisdom, both passion and purpose. Don’t burn yourself out chasing one without the other.

 

With love and hope for your future,  


#PastorFrank | www.epicfc.org | thrive@epicfc.org