There are many old sayings about how the golden opportunity of a lifetime may come along only one time, when that opportunity knocks on our door just once. In spiritual matters, we know that God is actually quite generous in the gospel invitation being extended to each one of us—He may use lots of different ways to call us to the gospel feast. But we all have only one lifetime in which to make our decision for Christ, and only one precious, fleeting time of youth to lay a good foundation for building the best future and eternity for ourselves.

Those who grow up in Christian homes may not always realize or appreciate it, but every worship service, prayer meeting, and church youth gathering is really a golden opportunity to learn more of Heaven and its lifestyle.

“God is giving to the children and youth many opportunities of knowing His will, and of learning how to do that will. In the Sabbath school, in the services of the church, through the study of His Word in the home and in the school, He is constantly providing ways by which they may learn what is His purpose for the youth who accept Him. By an earnest study of the Word of God, dear youth, you may learn to distinguish between right and wrong, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”—The Youth’s Instructor, April 7, 1908.

“You know not to what responsibility you may be called. You know not where you may be called upon to give your witness of truth. Many will have to stand in the legislative courts; some will have to stand before kings and before the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith.

“Those who have only a superficial understanding of truth will not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures, and give definite reasons for their faith. They will become confused, and will not be workmen that need not to be ashamed. Let no one imagine that he has no need to study because he is not to preach in the sacred desk. You know not what God may require of you.”—Messages to Young People, p. 186.

“Our youth need to have a clearer understanding of what it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. . . . Only by making constant advancement can the youth fulfill God’s purpose for them. As opportunities multiply and are improved, the experience will enlarge, and knowledge increase. The youth will become strong to bear responsibility, because they are constantly growing in happiness, in holiness, in usefulness.”—The Columbia Union Visitor, October 2, 1912.

This issue of the Youth Messenger brings news of some recent golden opportunities. It’s about young people accepting these opportunities—grasping a chance to learn more about what it really means to be a victorious Christian reformer. So, the next time you are invited to a church youth convention, seminar—or even just a Sabbath worship service or prayer meeting, grab the chance! After all, you never know if it’s the last time opportunity knocks.—B. Monteiro.