CARING FOR GOD'S CREATION

Philippians 2:15; John 8:12

Introduction

Abebrese and Afriyie are two young fellows in the Senior High School. Both are promising students meanwhile, Afriyie has accepted Christ and lives victorious Christian life, unlike Abebrese who lives according to conditions favourable to him. Abebrese is always caught in a series of offenses - going to town without exeat, fighting, abuse of juniors, examination malpractices, etc. He feels everyone is against him. Afriyie on the other hand respects authority and cares for others, loves all, is obedient, respectful, etc. This has opened favour from people to him. 

These two people are the exact definition of youth in the light and the other in the dark.

Youth is basically the period between childhood and adult age. It is a period of life full of diverse prospects, challenges, opportunities, and abilities.

Today's theme focuses on the youth in the light. This is best discussed by doing a comparative analysis with the youth in the dark just as we did with Abebrese and Afriyie.

1. The youth in the light is focused.

There is this Nigerian proverb I love, 'What can be seen by an adult while sitting can never be seen by a child even if he climbs the tallest iroko tree.' The youth is unaware of what lies ahead like the adult. Naturally, when one walks in the darkness you tap things to find your way - imagine how you try to find your way in your own room when the electricity goes off.

Walking in the light gives a sense of confidence in every step you take knowing that you are not making a mistake or with limited mistakes.

The youth in the light of Christ is focused on the goals God sets for her/him. The Hebrew writer puts it, As a youth in the light of Christ, "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame..." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

When we remain in the dark, we make so many mistakes that take us away from God's set goals for our lives. It is Christ's light that brightens our path to be successful in this life, "Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Rom. 12:2)

2. The youth in the light are blameless. 

"so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”" Philippians 2:15 (NIV)

It is on the lips of most people how perverse and crooked this generation has been. The youth in the light lives a life of difference. As Paul explains, the youth in the light "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but [is] … transformed by the renewing of [the] … mind." Romans 12:2 (NIV). Renewing of the mind is the acceptance of Christ into our lives.

The youth in light may have some accusations though but all will prove false because of the transformed lifestyle. 

3. The youth in the light shines like stars.

There are reality shows which seek to make many people become 'stars'. They are given the platform to perform their skills and talents and become popular through that. Popularity alone is not stardom but your ability to impact positively the lives of many others. 

The youth in the light "shine among [contemporaries] them like stars in the sky." The one in the light makes a positive impact on the lives of all others. His/her name is mentioned with much reverence because of who she/he is - being the light.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”" John 8:12 (NIV)

Jesus' message brings the distinctive differences in two conditions that humanity may be walking - light and darkness. Those in the light follow Jesus and those in the dark follow Satan. Paul teaches, "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NIV)

As a youth, you must be aware of things of the light and that darkness. 

"He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness" 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV) The shining youth in the light of Christ speak the truth without hiding things in the dark. She/he does not hide their deeds and acts but is open to the truth at all times.

How to be in the Light as a youth?

Respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus into your life. Accept and confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9-10)

Consciously fight to live as a child of the light victoriously at all times.

Conclusion

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”— Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV)