David a Model Youth?
PART ONE: "ADVANTAGES HE POSSESSED"

1 Ki. 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
 
 

 Godly instruction that was correct and life commanding.

David grew up in an era when the family controlled the total aspect of ones life especially when you are young. David no doubt learned from his family the importance of God, the love of god , the power of God, and the reality of God. Youth today need to learn more from their families about God. They need to experience the real things that God has for them in their life. Religion is good, but God is real! Youth need instruction in their life that is correct and also that is commanding in their life!
 
 

 Elder examples that were constructive.

What if your family does not give you the needed guidance? Maybe they are not Christians. maybe they simply do not take the time to spend with you that they need to do. What then? Find some good godly "elders" that you can count on, look to, call upon, and also use as an example in your life that you might pattern a life like their Christian life! David had others that he could look to (Samuel) and pattern his life after. Look closely at the ones you act like or emulate. Are they the type of person that God would have you be like?
 
 

Duties in his life that were a consistent influence.

Christians need to busy about the Lord’s work. Youth need to be busy about the Lord’s work! Not busy for bus’s sake, but doing things that are constructive and consistent with the Christian norm of things. David had to work for his father. He tended sheep, done anything that he asked of him no doubt. Did he complain? Maybe at times, but probably he just did what needed to be done for the Lord. So when you are sometimes doing things that are not exactly what you want to do, just take time and thank God for His blessings and do what you are doing RIGHT! David used these lessons for his advantage. He learned things that he carried all through his life and they made him better. Tending sheep? Bah, that is for others to do!!!????!?
 
 

Growth (physically, mentally, and spiritually) that was continual in its course.

When we look at the life of David, we do not see perfection, but we see an individual that grew and matured as time went on. This should be our goal in life, to grow for the Lord and become the strength that He wants and needs us to be. We can not stay young forever. Nor can we remain immature spiritually and be where God wants us to be with our life! Does growth just happen? NO. We must plan for growth in our life. Eat! Spiritual food is what will make us grow. The Word of God is the thing that will give us the nourishment that we need to maintain and mature into what God wants us to be!
 
 

Friends that were caring comrades

David had around him people that really cared for him. Jonathan was one of his best friend that he could have had. 1 Sam. 18:1-3

1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.

3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

 When David was fleeing Saul he had a group of men that were with him and they card for him, even putting their lives on the line. Choose your friend wisely, carefully, and be objective about it. Listen to your parents suggestions when they have uneasy feelings about someone (there is probably a good reason). Find and enjoy friends that are worth having and they will last you a lifetime.
 
 

Youth Lesson Gary Marcum