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The exceptional youth – Part 2

By Chimezuo O. N. Nwankpa
28 October 2018   |   3:00 am
Dear, steadfastness is a key to ending a race well. Paul, in furtherance of his instruction to Timothy said, “Practice the things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”

Chimezuo O. N. Nwankpa<br />

Dear, steadfastness is a key to ending a race well. Paul, in furtherance of his instruction to Timothy said, “Practice the things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.” Another word for exceptional is extraordinary. And the difference between ordinary Youth and extraordinary Youth is the extra act of the latter, which is commitment. Many young people have opted out of great destiny for lack of commitment in their place of destiny. Methodist Church calls the gathering of youths, Youth Fellowship, but how many are committed in fellowship today? What good activity of the Youth fellowship do we see these youths investing their time and energy in? If you say you belong, show commitment and go the extra mile to bring about the condition you desire. This is a sure way to being exceptional.

Exceptional Youth can also be recognised by appearance. It is unfortunate that fashion-wise, the Church is turning worldly. It is now a popular saying that one should come as one is, when issues of dressing are mentioned, even in the Church. The argument has been whether the message is for the Soul or the body. But the truth remains that a changed soul is also recognised by the way the body is dressed. Besides this, the scripture warns in 1Thessalonians 5:22, “shun all appearance of evil”. If you are on ‘appearance of evil,’ no matter how spiritual filled you are, some devil’s agents will come to you, thinking you belong to their master. The dignity of an exceptional youth is also expressed by his dressing.

An exceptional youth is studying believer. You may just read any book and pass its exams, but it takes a study of the scripture to stand approved as a believer before men, especially those against our faith in Christ. It is written, “Study to show your self approved, a work man rightly dividing the word of the truth” (11 Tim 2:15). Keep your head above others, by knowing more about the great revelations in the pages of the scripture. Many youths fall preys of devil in the hands of their peer groups for lack of divine contextual meaning of some scriptural passages. If devil can test Christ on account of the Word, you must get ready, for he must one way or the other use some people to turn the scripture upside down in order to lure you into sin.

More so, an exceptional youth is a person of character. He does not always move with the crowd. He distinguishes between whims and values, delinquencies and virtues and does not mind standing alone with God, when all others stay away. Remember Daniel, Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego, who in a land of their captivity, made a choice not to defile themselves with the king’s food (Dan 1:7-8). When everyone worshipped Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego replied at the height of query against them, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, your majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, your majesty that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Dan. 3:16-18). Note that to be stubborn and disobedient in common rules of life is not what we mean here, but for one to be firm in the decision of allowing God’s will in His life happen. As the four Hebrew were not ashamed at the end of their trials, so God has destined every exceptional youth an end of laughter.
May your star shine brightly in your generation in Jesus Name, Amen!
His Grace The Most Revd. Chimezuo O. N. Nwankpa, Archbishop of Uyo Archdiocese, Methodist Church Nigeria.

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