Amen, Jim and Richard! Childhood and youth are important...as I reflect on Chapter 7 of Desire of Ages, I again am reminded why this is my favorite chapter. This chapter reveals how Jesus formed the character that was with Him in His public ministry. None of us have done exactly what Jesus did, but we can start today through a full-heart surrender to cultivate and develop a godly character as He imbues us with His Spirit. We can learn from nature precious lessons, we can commune with God in His word and open our hearts to the ministry of the angels. We can, through His grace, be complete victors in the conflict with sin, self, Satan, and the world. The "secret" is found in how much Jesus beheld His Father and cultivated continual communion with Him. This is our great need. And as we go about our work as God appoints it, we may be as faithfully doing His service in our home life as when we may give a Bible study to someone. If the motive is to glorify God (which it will be when Jesus has all of our heart), then we can praise, bless, and honor Him in all things!
"Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, 'Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth.' Isaiah 42:1." {The Desire of Ages, page 74, paragraph 4}
We may be 30 or older--but whatever our age, if we are one of God's children by faith, there are precious lessons and promises here for us!