How can the young secure their hearts?

 

       Many of us are familiar with the song that says, "How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?"  As many of you know, we have been engaged in our Future Preacher's Training Camp and have had 43 young men around lately.  Even though we are only about 3 days into FPTC this year, I have already been thoroughly impressed with many of the guys.  They have been striving very hard to work together and better themselves.  It is incredible how eager they are to learn.  For example, many of the campers this year are learning some of the Greek language.  While it can be tedious and difficult, I have been pleasantly surprised at how quick most of them are learning it.  They are enthusiastic and happy about learning something like this simply because it can help them in their Christian walk.
       As I look at many of these teen guys, I see a wonderful example of youth who are trying to guard their lives from sin. They are truly committed to learning more about the Bible, memorizing scripture, learning to preach, and growing as Christians.  If I had to sum up what I have seen in one word, that word would be "passion." Not all of them want to preach, but they all seem to have a serious passion to be faithful Christians.
       How can the young secure their hearts? By having a passion about the Christian life and God's word.  Even though this song speaks specifically about young people, I believe it can apply further.  How can children, teens, adults, elderly, or anyone else secure their hearts?  Once again, it is by having a passion about what God has said and what He has asked us to do.
       What a tremendous example these young men have been so far.  They are truly enthusiastic about the Christian life and doing what it takes to remain faithful.  Let's learn from their example, because we all need to guard our lives from sin too.  May we always strive to live better and keep our hearts from sin.  Let's further develop a passion for God and the Bible in our own lives as well.  --Brett Petrillo