YOU !

THIS POST IS DEDICATED SPECIALLY TO CHRISTIAN YOUTHS ALL OVER THE WORLD WHO ARE EITHER GOING TO UNIVERSITY FOR THE 1ST TIME OR RELOCATING TO WORK IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT.



2 Timothy 3:14-17 (AMP)

“But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and leading astray others and being deceived and led astray themselves.

But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them],

And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

This passage is Paul’s charge to Timothy to keep the faith and hold on fast to his convictions. Timothy had a rich spiritual heritage passed on to him by his grandmother and mother. Nevertheless, as we all know, being born to spiritual parents, having a Christian name, working in the church is not a guarantee against backsliding. That your parents are pastors, leaders or committed leaders does not earn you a place in heaven. You have to believe, you have to hold on to your convictions. Jesus has to be YOURS. If you read the preceding verses before verse 14, Paul is making it clear to Timothy that the world is becoming more chronically sick and the decay is setting in very fast. After laying out the state of the world’s corruption, Paul then charges Timothy in verse 14; “But as for you…” Paul brings it back home, he makes it personal. In other words, Paul had been saying “Tim, the world is in a deplorable state. Unrighteousness is being exalted and the ancient landmarks of righteousness are being washed away by the strong tides of sin.” But from verse 14, Paul changes his tone and directly addresses Timothy, “The world is decaying, but this is YOUR responsibility: to hold fast to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them], And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].”

This same charge is coming to every believer today, irrespective of your age or location. You might be going through or anticipating a new season in your life, this could include moving locations, moving schools, going to university, whatever the change might be. As Christian youths, we know that the world is bad. We know people would rather idolise ordinary, air brushed human beings battling with their own catalogue of fears and insecurity as opposed to worshipping the Creator of the Universe who is everlasting. We know that the world is upside down. We know. We know people would choose to believe in cosmic soups, big bangs and black holes than believe that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” We know that the deep stench of sin in our world is suffocating to us as Christians. But what do we do? Are you to be paralysed when you get to college, university, that new city where the people drink down iniquity like water?

photo credit: http://www.empowernetwork.com

Let’s take a hint out of how Paul dealt with Timothy. I know you will be faced with all sorts in the world out there, but YOU must hold fast to what you believe. YOU must be a light. YOU must fight the good fight of faith. YOU must take charge of your life and destiny. YOU must say no, when the temptation comes. YOU must pray. YOU must serve God. YOU must strive to follow peace with all men. YOU. You might be the only committed Christian in a class of 1,000 yet YOU must be an ambassador for Christ. Scriptures did not say ‘you and your friends are the light of the world.’ Scriptures say ‘HE that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.’ HE, YOU – all points to the individual. It is your responsibility to carry on the godly heritage and knowledge that have been implanted in you over the past few years.

Consider the story of the ten virgins – five foolish, five wise. All ten were looking forward to meeting the bridegroom. They all loved him and wanted to be with him. The only difference was some were wise enough to carry extra oil whilst the others lacked the foresight to do the same. So when the bridegroom finally arrived, the foolish five realised they had run out of oil and in haste, they asked their companions if they could give them some of theirs. The response of the five wise virgins is particularly instructive; “But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves” (Matthew 25:9). They basically said, YOU know where the shop is, go get some YOURSELF. The bottom line Paul and the five wise virgins were trying to get at is PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. YOU have a responsibility to remain faithful to God. I beg of you, don’t blame the world for your lack of seriousness or backsliding. Jesus has already told us that we are in the world, but not of the world. Meaning that the same rules don’t apply to us; we are not supposed to be influenced by them because He has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity but of LOVE, POWER and SOUND MIND. Jesus lived among filthy people but He overcame the filth. Joseph was in a strange land, but he was ever conscious of his God. Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego all got their names changed but their identity as Hebrews, as believers in the God of Israel was never stripped away from them. As you take this new step into the unknown, remember, God is with YOU, for YOU and willing to help YOU abide in Him. When the wind of temptation comes, remember, YOU have to give an account. When the choice between studying and partying comes up, remember, YOU have a destiny. Remember, YOU were custom designed by God for a specific purpose and refuse to let anyone or thing abort that destiny. When the assignments and tasks get tough, remember YOU can do all things through Christ which strengthens. When your professors tell you there is no God, remember YOU have experienced God. They can say all they want, in the end it is YOUR choice to believe in the living God.

When you feel all alone, insecure, remember YOU are special. Remember that YOU are a good idea because you are God’s idea. Don’t lose YOU to become the false copy of one of your friends. Do not permit YOU or anyone else to make a shipwreck of your life. Remember YOUR heritage. Remember YOUR mandate – to be an ambassador for Christ. Remember YOUR parents, the least YOU can do is to put a smile on their face after all they have done for you. Remember YOUR gifts, dreams and talents, don’t waste them. Remember YOUR maker and redeemer.

This is a brand new chapter, YOU decide the storyline. I pray it is not a tragedy.

“But as for YOU, continue to hold to the things that YOU have learned and of which YOU are convinced, knowing from whom YOU learned [them].”

This article was written by my one and only Brainy-Barbie, Miss Damilola Olaniyi.  She recently graduated from University of Manchester with a first class degree in Politics and International relations. While at uni, she served passionately as a youth leader in her local church and I don't need to tell you how much  she loves the Lord because her article speaks loud enough...  If I was to give a summary of Dammy's success story, I will probably say "Determination, hardwork, focus, prayers and total trust in God will get you to the  TOP ".    If you are a student with hopes of finishing well, try these and you will see that it works!

 As you go to the university  or start a new life, by all means STUDY/WORK HARD, PLAY HARD BUT DON'T FORGET TO SERVE GOD PASSIONATELY! Remember YOUR maker!

I’m sure you were blessed reading this post,PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS SO THEY CAN BE BLESSED TOO !  

Have a testimony filled week,

with love,

LadyMay