The Greener Grass

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Or so they say. Since my teens, I have watched many friends hop the fence into the world. They invited me too. I did spent some time sticking my hands through the fence and sampling the goods from the other side. But it didn’t satisfy me. And then I found Jesus. Now I praise God for the fence. While safely inside its confines, God has satisfied my every need and filled my life with endless joy. I have had all the adventure, fun, and friends I ever wanted while in service for my Master. But sometimes I wonder about those who still on the other side. Do they know the pain and sadness they have caused themselves and their parents?

This past Sabbath I spent time in prayer with one of these parents. As I listened, a lump formed in my throat. Her prayers were not for herself, not for ordinary blessings, or for material needs. No, they were directed in loving earnestness for her two daughters. Daughters raised with sacrificial love in a careful home. Daughters provided every advantage to prepare them for a life of missionary service. Daughters gifted with every opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior. But daughters who chose instead the cheap glitter of the world. 

It broke my heart to listen to her prayers. “Lord, please be with my dear daughters. . . Plant in their hearts the desire to know you. Make them see that You love them. Send angels to guard and guide them. . . Help them to want to know you. Do whatever it takes . . . to bring them into your kingdom. . .” These girls are enjoying themselves in the feverish excitement of the world. But if they could only hear their mother’s prayers. . . they would surely be brought to tears.

Young people, if you are wistfully looking out over the poisonous, fake-green pastures of the world, STOP! Consider! Is it worth risk to my salvation and eternal happiness? Will I waste the quality Christian upbringing I was given by my sacrificing parents? Will I cause my parents pain and sadness by rejecting Jesus? 

You will loose nothing by standing up for Jesus. All the angels of heaven are ready to help you. Jesus will cover you with His righteousness. You will experience true joy and satisfaction. Adventure, friendship, excitement, passion—all exist in their purest and strongest forms in God’s service. Your parents’ prayers will be answered. Your influence will affect your friends and all you are around. And you can unite with the army of youth who is finishing the work so Jesus can come back soon!

And when your life is finished or when Jesus comes (it’s soon!), you can say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – Timothy 4:7-8