“Even through children and youth, the light of life may shine upon those who sit in darkness. Then watch and pray, and obtain a personal experience in the things of God. Your parents may teach you, they may try to guide your feet into safe paths; but it is impossible for them to change your heart. Youmust give your heart to Jesus, and walk in the precious light of truth that He has given you. Faithfully take up your duties in the home life, and, through the grace of God, you may grow up unto the full stature of what Christ would have a child grow to be in Him. The fact that your parents keep the Sabbath, and obey the truth,will not insure your salvation. For though Noah and Job and Daniel were in the land, ‘As I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness’.” YI, August 17, 1893
In childhood and youth you may have an experience in the service of God. Do the things that you know to be right. Be obedient to your parents. Listen to their counsels; for if they love and fear God, upon them will be laid the responsibility of educating, disciplining, and training your soul for the immortal life. Thankfully receive the help they want to give you, and make their hearts glad by cheerfully submitting yourselves to the dictates of their wiser judgments. In this way you will honor your parents, glorify God, and become a blessing to those with whom you associate. You will be following the example of Jesus, Who, when twelve years old, was wise beyond His years, and was found sitting among the learned rabbis, hearing them and asking them questions, so that they were astonished at His wisdom; yet He returned with His parents to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. E. G. White -YI, August 17, 1893
“….The Lord Jesus has made heaven accessible to all who will come unto Him, and He invites the children and the youth to come. He said, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.’ Jesus would have the children and the youth come to him with the same confidence with which they go to their parents. As a child asks his mother or father for bread when he is hungry, so the Lord would have you ask Him for the things which you need. If your sins are heavy upon your heart, you are to come to God and say, ‘For Christ’s sake, forgive my sins.’ Every sincere prayer will be heard in heaven, and every earnest petition for grace and strength will be answered.” YI, July 7, 1892