Cultivating a Godly Character! (2)
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the concluding part of this teaching. In the last edition, I examined a unique requirement that distinguishes you among your peers titled ‘Cultivating a Godly Character’. This week, I will be exploring the various ways to be useful to yourself, parents, society and the world at large.
God’s Word says: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Among others, to live distinctively as a teenager, God has put in you certain unique deposits to enhance your usefulness. They include:
- Unusual Strength:
Young people are synonymous with strength, and the Bible acknowledges this. The Word says: … I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:14).Thephysical strength that an 18-year-old would exert, a fifty-year-old may not be able to. Your physical energy is at its best in the days of your youth while you are a teenager. So, God expects you to channel this unusual strength positively and correctly. With this unusual strength, the pursuit of your vision is easy, and you will be most useful.
- Great and Innovative Ideas:
We are in the days of great inventions and innovations among youths. This is because the mind is still young and void of unnecessary worries, concerns and anxiety. God’s Word says: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and… your young men shall see visions (Joel 2:28). So, as a teenager who desires to live differently from others and possesses a mind of Christ, you can think and add values in diverse areas of disciplines of life (1 Corinthians 2:16).
- Passion/Zeal:
As a teenager, you can choose to be different by demonstrating tireless diligence and an enthusiastic devotion to a cause. This is because the passion to serve and the zeal to run is in you, which is usually very high (Ecclesiastes 12:1). There are many examples in the Bible of teenagers who had passion for God, and as such, they became great men. For example, David’s passion for God helped him kill Goliath, and Joseph was a good ambassador in Egypt, despite his pitiable condition.
You can be useful at home by serving your parents in love. God, who is a God of purpose, intentionally brought you into the world through them so you can be a useful contributor. Therefore, get yourself involved in household chores, and by so doing, you magnetise parental blessings. Also, you can be useful in the Church. As a young boy, David was delighted in the things of God, and that was one of his secrets (Psalm 122:1, Psalm 119:97). Therefore, invest your teenage days to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Do it with the integrity of your heart, and do not allow anything distract you.
In your school or college, seek to make contributions in any given task. Refuse to be identified with hooliganism, but for positive impact.
Making a difference as a teenager requires a personal relationship with God. So, if you are not born again, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, I know I am born again!
Congratulations, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204. For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Single With A Difference, Make Your Life Count and You are Welcome to God’s Family.
