They need -- and  are lookin' hard for -- significant adults who

1^st  ... are vitally linked to the Lord Jesus, loyally living for Him, looking to Him
         moment by moment.  Go ahead with Him.  Some key young people will follow!

Why? Jesus said, "without Me you can do nothing" John 15:5

2^nd  ... will unconditionally love them.  Keeping a young person’s emotional tank full
         is a real challenge – just like a car’s gas tank with a teen driver around.

Why? Because young people are characteristically lonely

3^rd  ... will carefully listen to them (an art form).  How you listen is the issue. Listen
        "between the lines"– the things not said.  "The first responsibility of love is to
        listen."  Paul Tillich

Why? Because young people are consistently left out

4^th  ... are willing to respect-fully learn from them.  Humbling yourself to do so will do
        wonders in your relationship with them.

Why? Because young people are clarifying their legitimacy

5^th  ... will set well-defined limits for them (expect and welcome protest – indeed,
        interact with the flak: kids really do want ‘em), wisely balanced with setting
        them at liberty (equally important).

Why? Because young people are confused by our culture’s changing landmarks

6^th  ... will skillfully lead them. Young people learn by example.  The goal: Skillful
        living to and for the Lord Jesus.

Why? Because young people are cultivating their own leadership skills and styles within their own spheres of influence

7^th  ... will personally light the pathway to life for them through their own walk with
        the Master.

Why? Because young people catch a lot of their life’s learning through imitating

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9  KJV

If your heart is loyal to God, you do not have to look for Him,
 He is already looking for you!
Experiencing God Day-by-Day
by H.T. and R. Blackaby