All over the world, I see young women putting themselves into order, being young women after God’s heart, living like Sarah, Ruth, Rebekah. But where are the Abrahams? The Boaz’s, the Isaacs, the Joshua’s? Are young men trying to attain God’s heart? Or are they merely focusing on the parts of the Bible that please them? The parts that offer prosperity, good health, divine protection… I think in my life, I have personally met at least 3 young men who imparted divine wisdom on me that had me surprised. While in contrast, I have met countless young ladies who often leave me speechless. I don’t want to paint all young, Christian men with the same horrendous brush, don’t get me wrong. I’m just wondering what’s the deal? Is it harder saying no to drinking, smoking, partying when you’re a guy? And what can we as Christians do to change that?
The main problem is that society has stated that drinking is not a sin, that a person who drinks and smokes and parties can make it to heaven. The first thing to note is, when did society get the platform to tell Christians what to do? Our moral compass isn’t Google, like most people. Our moral compass is the Holy Spirit and God’s word. So, the question is, what does the Word say about drinking? I will quote one of my favourite scriptures here.
Proverbs 31:4-7 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
It is clear from the above scripture, drinking is meant for those who are in misery and poverty. As Children of the Most High God, we are above that. So, drinking isn’t our portion. God says we are Kings and priests and here the scripture says, “it is not for kings.” Besides the age-old argument that our bodies are the temple of Christ, which they are, this is another point. Drinking just seems wholly unnecessary to me. If you think about it, unbelievers are drinking and smoking and partying and in that same space, you will find Christians? What separates us from them if we behave like them? If someone walks into a party and finds me seated there, a supposed Christian, drinking with people who don’t know Christ and don’t know the Word, in that instance, what is the distinction between us? Nothing. Remember, Christ called us to be epistles of him. In general, anything Christ didn’t do, we shouldn’t do it because He is our major example.
This isn’t even about drinking. It’s about young men falling off the wagon. The Spiritual wagon. It’s about why young men aren’t striving to be like Daniel, a man after God’s own heart. I see young men, they come to church, but their minds are still veiled. That is exactly how the devil keeps them at bay; making them come to church in vain. Their hearts are clouded by all manner of sin that it leaves me wondering, who is better off? Those who are outside and don’t hear the Word or those who are inside the House of the Lord, they hear the Word and yet, they don’t do it? It’s really heart-breaking. It begs the question, did God intend for us to live like this? NO! God has always wanted us to serve Him and only Him, He is a jealous God. (Exodus 34:14). Young men want to dress up in expensive sneakers, jeans, maybe even expensive suits. They want to go out there and “enjoy life”, and at the same token, they want the blessings of God.
Yet, there is a solution. There is always a solution. We can teach our young men to do better.
Proverbs 11:14 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
We can pray for them and pray the Holy Ghost will remove every evil veil over their eyes.
2 Corinthians 4:4 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
We can’t blame them, obviously. But we can try to help. We all know these young men, at least one or ten of them. We can offer advice as the Spirit leads us or we can simply and most effectively, put their names in prayer and believe God for their change. Honestly; intercession is one of the ways to effectively pull a person towards God. There are so many things going on behind the scenes that our natural eyes can’t see but that the Holy Spirit sees. Remember, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. (Ephesians 6:12).
So next time you see young Mr Azu scrolling through Facebook during the sermon, don’t roll your eyes and judge him. Mention him to God and watch how God will work on both him and you.
Lerato