HOW CAN YOU HELP A "PRODIGAL" CHILD

Why Some Decide to Leave

There are hundreds of thousands of young ones who serve Jehovah happily in the Christian congregation.  Why, then, do other young ones leave?  They may feel that they are losing out on something that the world offers.  (2 Timothy 4:10)  (Yeah, it offers too much temptation to anyone, along with trouble)  Or they may consider Jehovah's protective sheepfold too restrictive.  A guilty  conscience, a strong interest in the opposite sex, or a desire  to be accepted by one's peers can also cause a youngster to drift away from Jehovah's flock  A youth may quit serving Go because of what seems to be hypocrisy on the part of his parents or some other Christian.

A child's rebellious behavior are  usually symptoms of spiritual weakness, reflections of what is in his heart.  (Proverbs 15:13; Matthew 12:34)  For whatever reason a youth goes astray, the root of the problem often lies in his not having  "an accurate knowledge  of truth."  (2 Timothy 3:7) More than  merely going through the motions of worshiping Jehovah, it is important that young ones cultivate a close personal relationship with him.  What will help them do so?

Next time:  Draw Close to God

Watchtower, 2001