One of the most common needs in the world is to be loved. We can see a multitude of ways people act, dress, speak, etc. to try to get attention, gain a following, or be respected, in other words: be loved. As Christians, we realize this need as well. Even among our number there is often behavior exhibited that shows the aspiration to be loved. But when the world is unkind to us, and our friends do not seem to be as loyal as we thought, when at times we feel unloved, we can always go back to the simple yet profound truth of that famous song we learned as children: “Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so….”
John the son of Zebedee wanted a place of prominence. He, like us, wanted to be respected and placed in a position of honor. His mother, Salome, wanting this as well for her sons, asked Jesus that her boys, James and John, sit on His right and left when He came into His kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21; Mark 10:35-37; cf. Matthew 4:21). Jesus showed that she didn’t know what she was asking, and when the other disciples heard of it they were angered and envious of the move to become prominent (Matthew 20:22-24; Mark 10:41).
Christ changed James and John. These brothers, whom Jesus named the “sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), on one occasion recommended that Jesus send fire down from heaven to consume the disrespectful Samaritans (Luke 9:52-56). When we read John’s inspired writings that make up 5 books of the New Testament, he is known as the apostle of love because love for God and one another is so prominent in his books. In writing his gospel account, instead of trying to place himself in a prominent position, he never even names himself, but rather uses the “other disciple” (John 18:16; 20:2-8) or simply “the disciple” or “that disciple” (John 19:27). His mother, Salome, is probably the one mentioned in relation to Jesus as “his mother’s sister” (John 19:25; cf. Matthew 27:56). Instead of a family movement to become prominent as was displayed when Christ was on earth, when Christ sat on His throne as king, this family of Zebedee chose to be unnamed. John’s habit is not to name himself nor any of his family members in his gospel account.
His most exalted reference to himself is “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20). John learned from Jesus’ death that it was enough for him to be loved by Jesus. He did not need fame or a following. If Jesus loved him, that was all that mattered. I hope and pray that you and I can learn the lessons that “the disciple whom Jesus loved” learned. Christ loved us enough to die for us even we were sinners (Romans 5:8). We too can turn from being vengeful to being loving, from seeking prominence to being satisfied by serving humbly in anonymity. Because Jesus loves us, and that’s all that matters.

–Mark Day

Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while
the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no
pleasure in them.”
Ah, to be young. A time of great opportunities and challenges, but also a time of great danger. The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes have more to say to youth than any other book in the Bible. Someone may ask, “Why should I remember my Creator while I am young?
Because Of The Strength That Comes From Being Young. Proverbs 20:29, “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.” Youth will often stand up for their convictions when others sit down. This is seen in the lives of Daniel and his friends. Though they were young and strangers in a foreign land, they stood up for their beliefs and overcame their trials, Daniel 1:5f.
Because Of The Weakness That Come From Being Young. Psalm 25:7, “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.” It is easy, especially in youth, to get caught up in the “here and now” and not be concerned with the “there and then”.
Because There Are Great Blessing In Being On God’s Side. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” God through His word can guide youth through the pitfalls and traps, trial and temptations, of life. It has been said that “practice makes permanent.” What that is saying is, the way we are training our minds and hearts to think today is the way we will always think. Remembering God in youth means that good habits are formed early, allowing His word to shape attitudes, thoughts, words, and deeds into what God wants them to be. How do I remember God in my youth? Consider the following:
Delight In Studying and Meditating on God’s Word. Psalm 119:97, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Study and meditation of God’s word should be a daily practice for the child of God.
Spend Time In Prayer To Our Heavenly Father. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” A regular prayer life should be a daily practice for the child of God.
Do Not Be Ashamed Of The Gospel. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Spreading the Gospel to friends, family, teachers, and acquaintances should be a daily practice for the child of God.
What a blessing it is to be young! However, with great blessings comes great responsibility.
Solomon warns that “that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Remembering God now will save you from the worst heartaches both in this life and certainly in eternity.

-Jerry Sturgill