INTRODUCTION
— Gen 126-28 “And God said let us make man in our own image and after our likeness
— Prior to the creation of man, God has created all things and discovered that they were all beautiful but has no coordinator; He therefore created man.
— In discussing this topic thoroughly and to avoid misconceptions. Lets define…
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
· He is a follower of Christ, a person who believes and practices the tenets of Christian faith. The Church is the body of Christ and not the building we see around.
· Education on the other hand, as defined by Longman dictionary of contemporary English is the process by which your mind develops through learning at School College or university; it is also the knowledge or skill gained from being taught.
· 1 Peter 29 – “but ye are chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…
CHRISTIANITY – EDUCATION
— Christianity and education is synonymous to physical, spiritual, economic, human and emotional development. Christian religious education in Nigeria began with the advent of missionaries and mission agents in mid 1800’s. Prior to this time, communities had different traditional system of education i.e. Islamic religion, traditional religion etc. All these aimed at developing human mental capacity and orientation.
— 2 Tim 215 – “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing (rightly handling and skillfully teaching) the word of truth. Ephesians 515 - 17 buttressed it. Churches should emphasize through sermons, programs and symposiums the importance of education to our youths by way of:
— Emphasizing and encouraging innovative ideas, monitoring reform, efforts and human capacity building.
— Structuring classes to the best advantage of our students, paying particular attention to truancy and punctuality in schools.
— Honoring teachers as role models for young people. The gift of a man will make room for him. (Prov 1816) and bring him before great men.
— Churches should initiate programs in cooperation with schools to provide after school and vacation programs and emphasizing good reading habits.
— Providing parenting classes to emphasize the special responsibilities of parents to their children.
— 3 John 2 – “says that God wish above all things that thou mayest proper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth. Therefore every man needs to strive in life for mastery to fulfill God’s mandate on earth” Roman 915-17 God raised you to showcase himself.
— Prov 10 4 – “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand, the hand of the diligent make rich.
— Matt 10 10 – The thief cometh not but to steal, kill and destroy
THE CHURCH – CHRISTIANITY – EDUCATION
— The church as a body of Christ needs to manifest the power of God through the educative knowledge acquired spiritually and physically so as to enable them aware of their dignity and position, to take part in social economic and political system that is presently corrupted. The remarkable feet attained by technological development and scientific investigation and the new wave in telecommunication offer greater opportunity for our youths and young graduates who will key in into the vision – “My people perish for lack of knowledge” Hosea 46 Isaiah 5 3
— Major duties of both parents are to train their children in the way of God Ps 1273-5 Love their children – Titus 24, discipline and educate their children. 1Tim58 if any provide not for his household, He has denied the faith and is worse than infidel.
— An untrained child is a product of tomorrow’s degradation, poverty and doom – it is the training we get in school that shapes our lives and the nation as a whole. Broad base access to good quality basic education is the foundation for broad base maternal mortality and democratic citizenship. Prov 22 6 - Train up a child in the way he should go… Job 13-4 – Job cares for his children… Gen 1819 – Abraham trained his children in the way they should go… 1 Sam41-11 - Prophet Eli did not, and it brought him shame and death… 1 Chro 1232 – The children of Isaachar had understanding of the time
OBVIOUS TRUTH ABOUT THE ESSENCE OF YOUTH EDUCATION
— Economic Growth – It is a catalyst for high production and growth.
— Income distribution – Educational opportunities is associated with income distribution.
— Individual earning – High returns on investment
— Child Mortality – Education reduces infant mortality, increases better health and nutrition.
— Note: Discrimination in labour market based on gender can negate the equalizing effects on education.
PURPOSE AND VISION FOR LIFE
— Vision is an innate ability to see from a particular position, the idea formed in your imagination. Destiny is not a matter of chance or happenstance; it’s a matter of choice – As a man thinketh in his heart so is he Prov 237
— Job 328 – There is a spirit in man, the inspiration of the almighty giveth understanding. Prov 8 14-15
— The iron law of sowing and reaping ... Whatsoever a man sows, he reaps – Life is a journey unless you define your destination the odds of getting lost may be high. Gal 67 – Be not deceived, God is not mocked…
— The mind is the most creative tool from God; we create our realities in our minds and sub-consciousness. Nobody will profess to fail. How we use our mind determines the kind of results we get Col 23 Col 2 10 - We are complete in Christ…
— Some believe “Qui Sera-sera - what will be will be” what your minds do not concur, you do not recur. Great youths in the house, heir apparent in the house, kingdom champions and world leaders of tomorrow what is our mind picturing?
STEPS TO TAKE
1. Step out in faith – Dreams without action = nightmare. Go and write your GCE, JAMB or reseat if need be. The journey of 1000 years starts in a day.
2. You must play your part – parents/Youth faith without work to your destiny = Death James 226
3. Start from where you are – start somewhere, start now, the greatest harm you will do yourself is not to act today and look back with regret tomorrow. Don’t wait for a perfect time, such time does not exist. The only thing that starts from the top is grave.
4. Don’t Give Up – Thomas Edison made 99 attempts before electricity was invented. Remember Abraham Lincoln former US president. He contested severally before becoming the best president in America.
5. Great things start small – It is not how far but how well the end result counts
6. You deserve to succeed in life – Some people pray, for those around them to be successful so that they can help them – why not you? You are born to soar not to demean. Phil 413 “I can do all things through Christ… You are an eagle; not a chicken or duck [Isa 4029-31]
7. Don’t be a wishful thinker – If all wishes were horses, even beggars will ride. Some people boast of what they will achieve but are not ready to offer greater sacrifices? How can that be?
8. Make your life to count for something – Many people live and die without any meaningful contribution and their memory live for a short while. What about you? What are you living for? What will you be remembered for? What note worthy contribution are you going to make in your life time?
CONCLUSION
— Remember Methuselah? Lived 969 yrs grandfather of Noah [Gen 5 7]
— Martin Luther King lived for 40 years and left a remarkable record
— Jesus lived for 33 years; yet his name remains relevant throughout humanity; today and till eternity
— Stop thinking of what others can do for you, think of what you can do for others – this is the secret of greatness in life. Titus 27 – In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works
— Promise yourself that you will live, die and to be remembered for something good. Paul & Nero
— Promise yourself that you won’t just live to make a profit but to make a point.
— The world is waiting for your manifestation [Rom 819]– Don’t dash their expectation. Your destiny is in your hands.
Thanks for your kind attention
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This paper was presented by Mayor Abaoyomi Ireyomi at the formal launching of Winners Baptist Church Education Foundation on Sunday, September 4,2011
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