THE REPRODUCTIVE YOUTH
Text: Psalm 119:9, Ecc 12:1, 1 Tim 4; 12, 1 John 2:13-14, 2 Tim 2: 19-22.
I According to the Solomon in one of his books (Ecc 12:1) remember now thy creator in the day of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the year draw night, when thou shall say I have no pleasure in them”
One of the concern of God from the beginning is to see his creation include youth never to forget him, because there is tendency for anyone to forget his source – God. The world is degenerating, value are down, leadership with character and vision is lacking and God is lokking for young people who will be faithful to be called to lead revival both in the church and our various decayed parasterters.
SEE ALARMING RESEARCH:
In Nigeria, young people account for over 70% of the population. Those between (10 – 24years) constitute 33% also, 90% of Nigerian are below 65years old.
II. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PRODUCTIVE YOUTH?
To be a productive youth is:
(i) A productive youth is know to the Lord immediately, love him passionately and ready to be useful for him unconditionally – (Ecc. 12:1)
(ii) A productive youth is not the one that engages in fraudulent activity or constitute nuisance to the society. i.e to be useful, efficient, and result oriented
(iii) Productive youth(s) are human capital that makes use of their ideal / creativity, talents or gifts for the Lord and humanity.
(iv) Productive youth are seen as the future leaders of the church and nation through their strength and potential to change the abnormality to normality for a more glorious days for humanity, which shall reflect in peace, tranquility and abundant.
(v) Note: Apart from productive youth, we still have the following kinds of youths:
- The prodigal youth
- The passive youth
- The parasitive youth
I pray none of you will reflect these negative youths.
III. BIBLICAL HEROES OF PRODUCTIVE YOUTH.
Historically, young people have led revival in the scriptures.
- Jeremiah was about 17years old when God called him to ministry – Jere. 1:4-8
- Samuel was around 12 to 13years old 1 Samuel 3:3
- David was anointed by Samuel in his teenage years between age (10-25) 1 Sam. 16:12
- Timothy was a young man too (1 Tim. 4:12)
- Joseph was seventeen too (Gen.37:12) e.t.c.
IV. PRINCIPLES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED:
Been a productive youth becomes a mirage and uncertain when the necessary wisdom and principles are not applied. To lack necessary principles is foolishness in disguise. Principles are laws, conducts or methods that must be followed. They include the following.
1. ACQUINTED WITH GOD: ECC.12:1, JOB 22:21
One fundamental principle for been a productive youth is his spiritual relationship with God. He must be highly spiritual and strongly committed to God and his work inside/outside the church. Ps. 119:19.
2. GROWS IN GRACE
As the journey continues, he needs to pay the price and grow in grace because human ability is very limited (Lk. 2:57)
3. FOCUSED LIFESTYLE (JOSHUA 1:8)
He is so focused. Nothing distract him. He lives a focused life. He is not carried away by challenges. The force of focus is the flight to the top and productivity.
4. OBEDIENCE AND TEACHABLE:
1 Sam 15:22. He is so obedient and possess teachable spirit. He takes corrections and rebukes with joy.
5. PURITY AND INTEGRITY. (Job 27:5, Ps 25:21)
1 Tim.4:8 His penchant desire to subdue the flesh (fornication and any other moral decadence with sincere heart should make known. He has to be man of integrity – Lie and dubious business like “419” or defraud shall be far away)
6. SELF – DEVELOPMENT:
Main reason why many youths are not productive but a parasitive to their generation is due to lack of self development. He needs to study, grow and work on his character the largest room in the world is the room of development and it contain us all provided we are willing to enter.
7. THE POWER OF VISION: (JOHN 18:37)
The discovery of your vision gives you a sense of personal purpose, makes you know why you were born, passion for living and moves toward productivity. The poorest person in the world is a person. Without a dream. No wonder many failed in life.
8. THE PASSION FOR YOUR GOAL (ACTS 10:38)
While the poorest person in the world is a person without a dream (vision) but the most frustrated person in the world is someone who has a dream but doesn’t know how to bring it to pass. This is the person whose dream has become a nightmare. Goal setting makes you articulate your purpose. German poet and novelist Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe once said, “thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is most difficult thing in the world”.
Note: 2/3 of people survey (sixty – seven of one hundred) set goals for themselves. But of those (67), only (10) have made realistic plans to reach their goals. And out of those ten, only (2) follow through and actually make them happened do you have plans?
9. DILIGENCE AND WORKING SMART:
Prov.22:29, No dream work until you work on them.
Conclusion:
If only we can run away from the enemies of productivity: playing with sins; lack of vision, prayerlessness, pride, undue competition, laziness etc. and follow above principles. We shall be called a productive youth both in the church society at large. See you at the top.If you find value in my work and would like to support my ministry, you have the option to donate USDT, ETH, BSC, MATIC, NEAR, and other cryptocurrencies to the following address.
0x39304fA38A348016450551Bcd73b11828edAD8f5
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