LET'S SAVE THE FUTURE
I have been persuaded for some time now, to write on this. I strongly believe someone out there needs to hear this.
One thing about being successful in warfare is adopting the right strategy; that a strategy brought success yesterday is not a guarantee that it will bring success today. Modifications are necessary to meet contemporary challenges.
It is no longer news, that there is a serious battle, going on between light and darkness. Though we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), our authority in Christ suffices to give us victory. Unfortunately the church is distracted: worldliness has crept in; and young people are the worst hit.
Young people are the future of the familes, societies, nations and most especially the church. To care less about them is to care less about the future. The future we desire, we must fight today to preserve. We can’t allow the devil ruin great dreams and destinies resident in our young generation. Christian parents and the church must brace up for this battle- the battle for the young. The battle for the young demands understanding of young people their peculiarity and preferences. The truth is that most young people in the church are aware of this battle over their lives; but seems helpless in the face of it; even having given their lives to Christ. They continue to constitute the majority of people that churn out for altar calls, constantly rededicating their lives to God. Many would have easily triumphed with the right assistance, guidance and discipleship; but for the busy schedule of parents, elders and the church today.
I appreciate efforts being made by many ministries in this regard; while we call for more committed hands, because of dearth of sincere and committed hands, passionate about rescuing young lives from the devil. We need to fight like people who are determined not to lose. The kingdom of darkness daily devise strategies, to secretly keep young people in bondage; while still in the church: the indirect war strategy. Today, the devil is gradually enslaving the next generation without much being done by the church. It is unfortunate, how most parents think they know their children; but would be surprised to find out that a lot has changed about them, without their knowledge. Most young people deceive their Christian parents, only a few actually manifest their true colour. They still carry out every religious activity they learnt from childhood, recite the bible, lead worship and praises, and speak in other tongues, while they are far from having a working relationship with God: Sinking deeper in immorality, without their parents’ knowledge. Some only get to know when that beautiful and spiritual daughter; is put in family way or the handsome youngman becomes a drug addict.
This brings me to the crux of the matter, without prejudice to the need for intensive prayers and teaching of the word of God to the young; we must start adopting the right strategies in this warfare, from the earliest time possible. We must start making concerted effort while evolving well articulated, calculated and pragmatic steps to assist the next generation. While we pray and teach young people the word of God, we should equally devise high-tech counter response mechanisms to adequately resist the manipulations of the devil. Unfortunately, in this 21st century; parents, the church amongst others continue to deploy ancient strategies, which worked in the time past, when parents had enough time to guide their children rightly, when the society still upheld morality and justice, when teachers were passionate about raising disciplined and morally upright individuals, when schools were established not primarily for profit purposes but to nurture from where the parents stopped, when internet facilities were not available. Social media, phones and electronic gadgets were not ubiquitous; iniquity was not at its peak, and there were clear dichotomy between good and evil. But today, the devil has successfully penetrated every facet of human existence.
Hence we must be true ambassadors of Christ. In the same manner men involuntary encounter the works of darkness daily, they should be made to encounter christ and works of light in their daily affairs. As the light of the world: believers and the church at large, should start spreading their tentacles beyond the church, extending it, to every relevant sectors of our world. Dominating as much as we can; with creatively designed Christ base and youths sensitive programmes, institutions amongst others. Top on my list, of areas we must dominate; if asked to recommend is Educational, Entertainment, Media and broadcasting. With understanding, passion and commitment we can do it. The Bible is clear on this; the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18) we must consciously and continuously modify our strategy to withstand the advancements in the enemy’s camp.
Finally, it behooves on every young person out there, to understand the trick of the devil; brace up for the peculiarity of our time: and fight! (1 Timothy 6:12)
By
Ekwemeze Chimeremeze Francis Esq.
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