When we think of a pattern, we picture something that is to be imitated as a standard. In sewing, a pattern guides us in how to prepare, cut, and sew fabric for making a suitable garment. In construction we see a similar concept in the word “blueprint,” by which detailed measurements and accessory parts comprise a building plan.

Many young people may feel that Jesus Christ is not necessarily an appropriate role model—that His life on earth was spent many centuries ago in a faraway land with a foreign culture. But such need to realize that Jesus was not just an ordinary man; He was the Son of the living God—in fact, our Creator Himself in human flesh.

Jesus came to earth as the exact Pattern He knew we would need in order to understand how to live a life of genuine, enduring happiness.

From His childhood to manhood, many lessons can be learned. But often we do not really take time to dwell on the period of His childhood; we tend to gloss over the teachings of His early years. But Christ’s life as a child is itself a school where children and youth can be trained and prepared for the duties of life. At home and at His daily occupation, Jesus left a great example for the youth. The inspired word says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). This includes when He was young.

Jesus obeyed His parents in daily life—in clear harmony with the fifth of the Ten Commandments. He learned the Word of God at His mother’s knee and committed Scripture to memory. How remarkable it is to realize that Christ, the Creator of the universe, did not come to this earth knowing everything. He had chosen to come as a little baby—therefore He had to learn everything growing up, just as we do.

Jesus did not attend school taught by the Roman government. He also did not attend the schools of the Jewish rabbis in His day. Why not? What was the problem?

In the time of Christ, “false theories, which were received as truth because they came from the lips of rabbis, were exalted above the words of God. Christ said to these teachers, ‘Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.’ “—The Educational Messenger, March 19, 1909.

In the time of Jesus, people knew neither Scripture nor the power of God. So, in all the necessary things He had to study, the top priority in Christ’s education was to know His heavenly Father and what was written in His Word—and to know His power. This was important in developing His way of thinking. We need to remember this, for we want to have a pure mind like Christ’s.

Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). His life was filled with industry. He worked at Joseph’s shop and took part in the matters of life. No idleness was seen in Him; He was a laborer who did not live a selfish life. The inspired pen declares that Jesus “went about doing good” to others (Acts 10:38).

Christ explained to His disciples, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). Here is seen the importance Jesus gave to time. Knowing that His time was short, He focused on accomplishing the purpose for which He had been sent. The Bible teaches that we need to work with our hands at whatever we can, for there will be a time when we will no longer be able to do so (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Let us, as Jesus, live a life of activity, and do what is within our reach to help others, knowing our time is short.

The inspired psalmist prayed, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:9–11).

“To be sanctified means more than to have a theoretical knowledge of the truth. [All] must have living faith. They must do more than denounce wrongs in others; they must fight in themselves. They must be whole-souled Christians possessing the earnestness and living energy derived in Christ.”—The Educational Messenger, March 19, 1909.

Sometimes it’s easy to see the shortcomings of others. But how do we handle such situations? Do we lovingly try to help them in a productive way? Do we realize how frail we are as well, seeking always to maintain a humble spirit? The process of becoming pure and holy requires a struggle within—a fight against wrong ways of doing things. Weaknesses we have inherited and bad habits we have developed are working against all of us. But we must not let these be cause for discouragement! With the strength that God is willing to provide, we must choose to do right instead of wrong. And this “good news” we also need to convey to others.

These days, at the age of 18, as is the rule in many countries, it is believed that young people are free to make any decision regardless of their parents’ wishes. Some children do not even wait until this age before they act independently. Yet the fifth commandment declares: “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). The life of Jesus on this point is a great lesson for all indifferent children. Inspiration records that “for thirty years [Jesus] submitted to parental restraint”—The Youth’s Instructor, September 1, 1873.

As final proof of respect and love for His mother, while on the cross and suffering from intense physical pain, Jesus, looking at His mother said, “Woman, behold thy son!” And then, turning His face toward the disciple John, He declared, “Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26, 27). Even on the cross at the point of death, Jesus remembered His mother and thought about her well-being. He entrusted the care of His mother to someone He knew would give her special care and attention. What a good example of filial love!

The fifth commandment is given with a promise: “That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). Children who want to live longer on this earth will honor their parents. They will not live in such a way to grieve the heart of their parents and cause them pain. They will follow the example of Christ. They will know and accept “the fifth commandment is binding upon children as long as their own lives and the lives of their parents are spared”—Ibid.

The fifth commandment calls upon us to respect authority. Remember when Jesus spoke with the doctors of the law in the synagogue when He was 12 years old? Those learned men were amazed at how much He knew. Why? He had not approached them with a cocky, insolent attitude. Instead, He won their respect by speaking respectfully to them. He even managed to teach them—not by rudely challenging their authority, but by posing an innocent series of questions so tactfully presented that their hearts were impressed. This is a pattern attitude for godly youth—not to be “smart aleck” or “know-it-all” even in religious matters—but rather to exalt and uplift God and His Word, with a meek and humble spirit.

The attitude Jesus manifested at the Passover gathering Jesus attended at age 12, was striking. As He entered the temple, He watched all that was taking place, especially that which had to do with His own future. After observing the thought-provoking scenes, He chose to separate Himself—to be alone with His heavenly Father to ponder these matters very deeply. He was so engaged in the things of the temple service that His earthly parents did not realize they had left Him behind. (See The Desire of Ages, p. 78.)

Considering the sacredness of the moment, Jesus had not gotten involved in vain conversation. His mind was attracted to what was spiritual. He decided not to follow the example of those who, by their light conversations, had lost sight of the spirituality of the moment. (See p. 82.)

At our camp meetings today (which are, in a sense, like those holy convocations), the youth are too often indifferent and casual in their attitude. They sometimes chatter nonstop (even if it’s on devices) and are ready to yield to the frivolity which characterizes any sort of vain encounter. Many think that a church youth convention is supposed to revolve only around amusements, athletic games, and so on. Would Jesus as a child have had that as His main emphasis for a sacred event aiming to prepare young minds for eternity?

Jesus never took part in earthly amusements; His life was in entire conformity to the word of God. The Bible says: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” “My son, walk not thou in the way with the; refrain thy foot from their path” (Proverbs 1:10; 15).

Jesus gave strict obedience to these words. “Often He was asked, Why are you bent on being so singular, so different from us all? It is written, He said, ‘Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways’ (Psalm 119:1–3).

“When questioned why He did not join in the frolics of the youth of Nazareth, He said, It is written, ‘I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes; I will not forget Thy word’ (Psalm 119:14–16).”—Ibid., p. 89.

Jesus did not cater to the popular crowd. He did not seek to put on a show or display. Whether meeting the rich or the poor, His care was the same. Whenever seeing someone in need, He quietly placed His own meal in their hands.

As Christ studied nature, He was always preparing object lessons in His mind to be able to share the gospel more clearly with people. Do we have such an attitude when seeking to learn something? Or are we too often busy, learning something just to pass a test so we can graduate to be able to compete for a job with the goal of making lots of money, only to gratify selfish ambitions? That is a typical set of motives, but the overall pattern is not exactly in the order of Christ. Why?

Yes, we want to be successful. That is fine. But everything Jesus did was to glorify God—whether in His plans, His actions, or His words. So, let’s do good things for the right reasons. Let us make it our aim to follow Christ’s example in everything. He is worth following—better than any movie star, singer, teacher, businessman, politician, or peer. He alone is worthy of our wholehearted praise, for He has redeemed us from the slavery of sin and assures eternal life to all who will be faithful to Him. The promise from Heaven is: “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23).

May the attitude of Christ be ours, dear youth. Jesus will be guide for you if you choose to follow His steps. Let’s keep looking to the Pattern and reap the wonderful results!