“And Nathanael said to him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, Come and see.” John 1:46.

None will ever be called to perfect Christian character under more unfavourable circumstances than that of our Saviour. The fact that Christ lived thirty years in Nazareth, from which many thought it a wonder if any good thing could come, is a rebuke to the youth who consider that their religious character must conform to circumstances. If the surroundings of youth are unpleasant and positively bad, many make this an excuse for not perfecting Christian character. The example of Christ would rebuke the idea that His followers are dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live blameless lives. Christ would teach them that their faithfulness would make any place or position, where the providence of God called them, honourable, however humble. …

Christ’s life was an example of persevering energy, which was not allowed to become weakened by reproach, ridicule, privation, or hardships.

Thus should it be with the youth. If trials increase upon them, they may know that God is testing and proving their fidelity. And in just that degree that they maintain their integrity of character under discouragements, will their fortitude, stability, and power of endurance increase, and they wax strong in spirit. –Messages to Young People, pp. 79, 80.