Text by Sophia Yadao
Read:
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1 Timothy 4:12-15 NLT
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.
Reflect:
Today’s youth are gifted geniuses – growing up with science and technology at hand, passionately doing creative works, and having brilliant ideas for the future. But, if this greatness is not paired with the right heart, wrong things happen. Without strong faith in God, it is easy to fall into the darkness. The world wants to put each other down by the unhelpful ‘cancel’ culture, heartbreaking wars, and other awful forms of the enemy’s plans. However fear not, because these things have no match for God! He is always greater, stronger, and better.
Having God at the center puts our genius in the right place. The simple day-to-day life is made extraordinary because it opens more opportunities to serve Him. The youth must live in the light by speaking life to common conversations with families, friends, and even their enemies. All the while passionately loving all these people through God’s unconditional and eternal love. Also, bravely sharing their faith to the world, shouting out that Jesus is their Savior, or secretly praying on their own for the lost. Most importantly noting the need to guard their hearts against what is impure and untrue.
The youth is not alone in this mission with God. The church is the family that welcomes the youth to be leaders and now is the perfect time for it. Being God’s gifted geniuses, the youth impacts people uniquely. They have their right places in God’s ministry may it be through worship, arts, intercession, and many more. In all these things, the older generation, especially the church leaders, guide the youth to navigate their own strengths. They never cease to pray, not only to lift the youth’s gifts and talents to God but also to honor them for continuing the legacy. In the end, it is still for the youth to immerse themselves in a lifestyle that glorifies God. Proudly and confidently knowing who they are in Christ!
Respond:
It is a new season for the new generation to rise! As one family in God, let us embrace it. As the younger generation honors the older generation by stepping up to be the leaders they are called to be, the older shall be there to guide, support, and honor them. The church is the unstoppable family of God and shall never forget that they are stronger together!
Sophia loves God and she shows it by using her God-given gifts. She is a worshipper who passionately dances for Him. She writes to echo God’s heart to His people. As a servant leader she compassionately serves through prayer and intercession. Truly, she’s a beacon of God’s light to this world.
AUTHOR: SOPHIA YADAO