We learn from young as Singaporeans that financial security is the great goal in life.

We are brought up to believe that a good job, fat bank account and a nice house will make our lives fulfilled and complete. Even as Christians, many have been hoodwinked into first looking out for ourselves before looking to venture into spiritual matters.

โ€œWhat if you need something to fall back on? Don’t be stupid. Who works for the church at such a young age? Go get some ‘real world’ experience in the world first, save up some money!โ€

I am sure many young people yearning to serve full-time have heard such things before.

For almost a decade now, I have waited and longed for the day when I can serve the Lord in a full-time capacity.

I would sign up for mission conferences, leaders’ conferences, talks and short-term mission trips. I even signed up for Bible school.

But at the end of these things, all I found was closed doors and disappointment.

Desperate, I called out to God, who showed me that Iย had been chasing my own dreams and convictions instead of leaning into Him and listening to what He desires.

So now at 28, I’m coming back to the place of first love, where my desire is not for the mere works or rewards, but simply sitting at His feet and having Him as my reward.

Intimacy with Christ is far more pleasing to Him than any of our works can ever be.

Young people, do not rush into folly in your youth.

Trust in the Lord to open the way in an opportune time, and begin seeking Christ deeper in the Word. Intimacy with Christ is far more pleasing to Him than any of our works can ever be.

Proverbs 19:2 shows us that zeal without knowledge brings us astray, and it is reemphasised in Romans 10:1-3, where Paul wrote on the zealousness of the Israelites.

Alas, this zeal was not met with the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Messiah.

Continue to be rooted deeply in the Word, praying and seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus. True worship is in spirit and in truth, and we should not forsake either as we will please God in this way. When the time comes, God will provide both the means and the opened path.

Parents, guide your children in the ways of the Lord โ€“ help them seek Him in all they do.

Allow the Lord to partner you in bringing your child into his or her God-given destiny. The worries of this world, especially in a city like Singapore, can choke us of our desire to allow children โ€“ and even ourselves โ€“ to serve the Kingdom.

However, our Lord has promised to be our Provider as long as we seek Him first (Matthew 6:35). Encourage the young ones to be responsible people, but also pray alongside them for their passion, ready to give your blessing if the Lord does call them into full-time ministry.

My prayer is that the generation of our fathers will partner ours, working together for the good of the Kingdom โ€“ that the hearts of parents and children would turn towards each other, serving and glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ together.