STANDING OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
POWER TO SAY ‘NO’ TO CORRUPTING INFLUENCE
Proverbs 1:10-15; Genesis 39:7, 8, 12; Ephesians 5:3-7
The word ‘corrupt’ refers to a state of being dishonest, evil and immoral. The Christian youth is faced with the reality of corruption in the world. There are various forms of evil and immoral practices of sinning boys and girls in the schools, communities and the society at large. Corrupt practices among sinning youths manifest in various forms. Unfortunately, new and strange evil practices are being invented daily. Faced with this reality, Christian youths need to stand for Christ and say ‘NO’, like Joseph, when faced with temptations. That is, you decide firmly not to be negatively affected.
1. CORRUPT PRACTICES PECULIAR TO YOUTHS
Genesis 6:5; Psalm 53: 1-3; Romans 1: 28-32.
Corrupt practices among sinning youths include:
i. Lust, immorality and pornography (Ephesians 5: 3);
ii. Lying and exaggerations (Colossians 3: 9; Matthew 5: 37);
iii. Unclean and immoral conversation; jesting, etc. (Ephesians 4: 29; 5: 4);
iv. Fraud and deception
Examination malpractice (Proverbs 10: 23; 26: 18, 19);
This is really eating deep into the fibres of society th parents are also helping to carry out this menance.
v. Pilfering and stealing (Ephesians 4: 28);
vi. Pride, arrogance and pompous attitudes (Proverbs 8: 13);
vii. Love of the world (1 John 2: 15- 17);
viii. Revelling, carnivals and immoral dressing (Colossians 3: 5, 6; Galatians 5: 16; Philippians 4:5);
ix. Sport fanaticism (1 Timothy 4: 8);
x. Violence, street fighting, rioting, mob action (Exodus 23: 2).
Defrauding of parents of their hard earned money, all in name of wanting to be like other youths or catching up with the world financially
2. SAYING ‘NO’ TO CORRUPTING INFLUENCE
Daniel 1:8; Ruth 1:15-17; Ephesians 4:17; James 1:27.
As a Christian youth with a promising future, you must decide firmly not to be affected by the corruption in the world. You must constantly remember that, though you are in the world, you are not of the world. God expects Christian youths to be the light that shines in this corrupt world. He wants the youth to be the salt of the earth. These are the evidences of genuine experience and true conversion in a world where many corrupt and sinful youths claim to be born again. To resolve not to be influenced by the corruption in the world you must:
i. Put off all forms of worldly conduct and character (Ephesians 4:22-24);
ii. Part with all evil associations (I Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:17);
iii. Prevent every form of corrupt communication (Ephesians 4:29);
iv. Watch over your life while contending for the faith till the end (Luke 21:34,36);
v. Pray and study God’s word (Joshua 1:8);
vi. Interact prudently in all your inter-personal relationships especially with opposite gender (Proverbs 14:7);
vii. Fellowship regularly with heaven-minded and serious Christians (Hebrews 10:25).
It is the most easy thing to say; just say NO;
3. BENEFITS OF NON-CONFORMITY WITH CORRUPTING INFLUENCE
Malachi 3:16-18; Matthew 24:12, 13; Revelation 3:10-12; I Corinthians 9:27; I Peter 1:3,4
The Bible is filled with people who refused to be influenced by the corruption around them and they were rewarded for it.
Enoch – He lived righteously in a world that was later destroyed for corruption. He was raptured. (Genesis 5:24).
Joseph – He refused to yield to persistent temptation to immorality. He became a Prime Minister in Egypt
Ruth – She decided for the true God. She became one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ (Ruth 1:15-18; 4:13, 17).
If they can do it then, we are more equipped today to do much, having the bible and God’s word at our disposal
Total obedience to the Lord always results in great positive rewards. A Christian youth who refuses to be corrupted by the world stands to enjoy:
i. Compassion from the Lord in times of needs.
ii. Constant fruit-bearing (Psalm 1:1-3)
iii. Communion with God.
iv. Commendation from Christ and reigning with Him.
v. Crowns of glory and righteousness (II Timothy 4:7,8)
You have all it takes do shine out
Note; We shouldn’t forget that, for us to become the tomorrow leaders, honesty should be our watch word.
That everybody is doing it , should that be a licence for you to engage in same. You can take a stand to stand out and out stand all today.
You can be a difference in the mist of a perverse world
********
Interactive Session
Please do take time out to send your comment through e-mail and also your answer to following questions.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern
PRACTICAL DISCUSSIONS
i. Mention some corrupt activities that are carried out by youths of our generation today.
ii. What practical steps must a Christian youth take to avoid being corrupted?
iii. Recall the rewards Christians will get for saying ‘NO’ to the corrupting influence in the world?
A seminar taken at the dclm April retreat’12
IF YOU ARE THRE AND YOU HAVEN’T MADE THE DECISION OF ACCEPTINGCHRIST, TODAY IS YOUR DAY, JUST AS YOU ARE COME TO HIM NOW, HE WOULD ACCEPT YOU AND MAKE YOU WHOLE
0 Comments