Is the young man safe?

(James Smith)

"Is the young man Absalom safe?" 2 Samuel 18:29

Young men are exposed to dangers-the greatest dangers. They are in danger of falling . . .
  into sin,
  into infidelity,
  and into Hell!

Their danger arises . . .
  from their corrupt passions-which are apt to be fierce and fiery;
  from their inexperience-the path of life is new and strange to them;
  from false friends-who feed their vanity, and gratify their lusts;
  from wicked associates-which are often fascinating, and always injurious;
  from Satan the seducer-who watches them, lays in wait for them, and seeks their destruction.

In a wicked world like this,
with deceitful hearts like ours, and
with such evil influences acting upon us,
we are all in danger-but the young especially, and young men most of all.

"Is the young man safe?"

Absalom was not safe, nor are many young men now.
If they are mirthful, vain, or foolish;
if they are selfish, conceited, or covetous;
if they are careless, reckless, or indifferent
-then they are not, they cannot be safe!

There is no real safety, but in vital union with Christ. Until a young man is . . .
  convinced of sin,
  sensible of his danger,
  and embraces Christ-
we cannot pronounce him safe.

The shipwrecked sailor is not safe until he is picked up by the life-boat, or otherwise conveyed on shore. Just so, the lost sinner is not safe as he is floating on the treacherous waters of this world, until the life-boat of free grace picks him up, and brings him to Christ as the harbor of safety!