Gerald E. Weston

Today's youth are often seeking the fun that never ends, just like their parents. But the fun never lasts, and their search for true happiness feels like grasping at smoke. Sadly, many discover that the repercussions of their search do last...

Those who take the fast track often fade in the longer race of life, while the diligent steadily move toward the lead. The industrious person is the one who gets ahead, while those who seek a quick and easy route to happiness—who would rather party, pose and focus on "fun"—will usually be disappointed in the end.

The most honest and informative comment I ever heard on this subject came from a sincere young man who said, "I want to be an individual… just like all my friends." How could anyone state more simply and succinctly the inner struggle and frustration of youth?

In June of 1969, a pilot was practicing with a strange-looking flying machine. This pilot had a reputation for "staying with the ship" until the very last moment, only an instant before it was too late to eject. This day, he was practicing with an odd contraption; it was awkward, difficult to control and dangerous.

What are you willing to give up in order to be Christ's disciple? What are you unwilling to give up? Are you putting anything in your life ahead of God? Jesus gave some powerful advice to a rich young ruler. Does that advice apply to you?