Message to the youth 1

1 Timothy 4:12
" Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

Lots of youth today are living a life not worthy of emulation. Apostle Paul said " imitate me just as I imitate Christ " (1 corin. 11:1). 3 John 1;11 also says  "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good". The question remains that can you boldly tell your siblings to imitate you? The word of God is bringing it straight to us the six ways or areas in which we must live as an example

1. In Word/Speech

The speech is a very powerful tool and it tells us who a person is. The term 'word' means the fact or action of speaking as opposed to writing. The bible says " out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

It is the mindset of God to make each and every youth an example to their generations to come if the lord tarries. Edward Thorndike said "colour fade, temple crumble, empires fall, but wise words endure" 

Not only must we be an example in our choice of words, but we must be sure that the content of our speech is wholesome and edifying. When we open our mouths, do we tend to rip apart certain individuals who come to our mind? Is our speech full of gossip and harmful backbiting? Is our conversation pleasing to God, or do we tend to repeat the latest off-colour joke to our friends in order to get a laugh? We must consider these questions. God’s Word tells us that when we are saved we are to “ put off … filthy communication out of our mouth" (Col. 3:8).

" Let your speech always be with grace seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (col. 4:6)

N.B

• Let your reasoning expressed by words be representative of your new life in Christ.

 2. In Conduct/Conversation

Illustration:

 A young boy was once asked "why do you love physics so much? then he replied because of the practicals.

Brethren, don't just be filled with vain and empty words. Are you practicing your teachings? You said do not steal whereas you are the leader of the gang of robbers, you said do not fornicate yet you change girls like clothes. Be an example in your conduct.

N.B 

• A man of conduct is a constructed man.

The Bible says " only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ...... " (Phil. 1:27)

The disciples were called Christian in Antioch (Acts 11:24-26) because their conduct was portraying Christ. Is your conduct worthy of emulation too?

In Ephesians 4:22-30, God’s Word tells us that when we are saved, we are to “ put off, concerning our former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,” which includes lying, anger, stealing, filthy language, bitterness, wrath and evil speaking. We must act differently than those who do not know Christ, for the Holy Spirit indwells us and is grieved when we live like the world. Under no circumstances are we to imitate the world.

 3. In Love/Charity

God created man in his own image after his own likeness (Gen. 1:26).

This means it is the mindset of God that every mankind possess God's nature. Love is the fruit of the spirit every Christian must possess (Gal. 5:22). The bible says " He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" . (3 John 4:8)

" God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."(Rom. 5:8) It is expected of every Christian to replicate to love of Christ to the world.

N.B

• Jesus said " .......love your enemies, do good to those who hate you"(Luke 6:27)
• Your hatred can't win a soul for Christ but your simple act if love can.

For example, 

 You are fortunate to come across an hungry man with no hope of survival and all you do is pray and speak in diverse tongue

Brethren your simple act of love is needed here not prayer first, keep to your tongues to deal with the devil tormenting him after he has been properly feed.

Be an example in love.

 Don't just preach it act it.

Coming soon: Message to the youth 2

 Shalom