By Evangeline Esaaba Folson

According to the google dictionary, the word “remember” means to recall or recollect, have in mind or be able to bring one’s mind to , an awareness of someone or something from the past.
Remember also means to do something that one has undertaken to do or that is necessary or advisable. For this article, I would like to say, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth” means young people should always be aware of what God (their creator) wants them to do. Young people should desire above all things to please God in whatever they do.
The major scripture reference is Eccelesiastes 12 :1
Remember your creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them (KJV)

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your creator. Honour Him in your youth before you grow old and say, life is not pleasant anymore. (NLT)

From the two translations of the verse above, the youth are not to forget about God. They should also honour God. If you want to honour God, you should hold Him in high esteem and every wish or command of His should be obeyed. There are many commands and directions for the youth in the bible, I would like to concentrate on three major areas:

God’s desire for the youth concerning their conduct.
God’s desire for the youth concerning their relationship with elders.
God’s desire for the youth concerning Christian service.

God’s desire for the youth concerning their conduct
1Timothy 4:12 says:
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

This verse summarizes God’s expectation for the youth in terms of their conduct. They are to live above reproach, they should be an example for others to follow.

Other verses that define God’s expectation of the youth are:
Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it, according to your word.
It is important for the youth to study the bible and obey what it says.

2Timothy 2 : 22
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
This is a call for the youth to avoid fornication or having sex before marriage.

Ephesians 4 : 29
Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
It is also important to watch what you say. Unnecessary quarreling, gossiping and idle talk should be avoided.

1 Corinthians 6: 19 -20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Proverbs 3 :5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

God’s desire for the youth concerning their relationship with elders
This refers not only to the relationship the youth have with their parents but to all dealings with people who are older. The first command is given in Exodus 20:12
Honour your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
This is a command with a blessing attached, honour or obey your parents and you will have long life.

Other verses in this area are:
Ephesians 6 :1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land”. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 1:8-9
Hear, my son your father’s instruction and forsake not your mother’ teachings, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

Proverbs 23 :22
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
It is very important for the youth to listen to their parents or elders when they advise and give them instructions.

1Timothy 5:1-2
Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
This verse gives an overview of how the youth are to relate with the people around them. They are to show respect to all.

God’s desire for the youth concerning Christian service
Jeremiah 29 : 11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God has plans for everybody including the youth. Some of these plans are given in the verses below:
1Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks the oracles of GOD: whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
God has given every young man and woman gifts to use to build the church.

Joshua 1: 7-9
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This book of law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you where you go.
Reading and meditating on the word of God is also very important. It would help you know God’s will and commands so you can obey them. Then, you will be prosperous and have good success.
Matthew 28: 19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

This is the “great commission” and it is a command to every child of God including the youth. God desires that the youth to spend their time and energies reaching out to the world.

Conclusion
Every young man or woman should aim at dedicating his/her life to God and to serve Him faithfully in church and any Christian organization that reaches out to the world with the message of salvation.

References
Google Bible
King James Bible
Pamela Rose Williams, Bible Verses About Youth: 21Encouraging Scriptures.
OpenBible.info, 100 Bible Verses about Youth.