“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:3–4
The word “Christian” has been grossly misused in the world today to the point that almost everyone is a Christian, provided he is religious and confesses to be a follower of Christ. The condition is so bad that many genuine Christians no longer understand the differences that exist between them and the nominal Christians. Christ, our Lord and Master, makes it very clear that genuinely born-again, Christians are not of the world, though they live in the world. “I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14–16
Let us look back into history to know why we are called Christians today; the disciples were first called Christians in the church at Antioch. “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26. The reason they were called Christians was because of their distinctive lifestyle; it marked them as a peculiar people. A Christian youth, therefore, is one who has truly repented of his sins, accepted Christ as his personal Saviour; and, as a result, lives a righteous life in this sinful world. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8
THE REALITY OF CORRUPTION IN THIS PRESENT WORLD
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
The word “corrupt” refers to “a state of being dishonest, evil and immoral.” After the fall of man, the human race lost the original sinless image and nature of God and became corrupt. The sin of disobedience corrupted and defiled the initial pure nature. The heart of all human beings, old or young, is corrupt, evil, and wicked. The Scriptures confirm this: “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19. The Psalmist also speaks of the corrupt state of the human heart in Psalm 53:2–3.
The world today is filled with all sorts of theories and ideologies about God and His children “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalms 53:1–3
A Christian youth is faced with the reality of corruption in the world. The corrupt world actually refers to the various forms of evil and immoral practices of sinful youth in the schools and communities, as well as society at large. Corrupt practices among sinful youth seen through stealing, lying, fleshly desire, immoral conversation, immoral pictures, disobedience to parents in the Lord, not keeping the Sabbath faithfully, etc. Faced with this reality, a Christian youth needs to resolve to stand for Christ.
As a Christian youth, you cannot afford to change for the world; rather you are to remain steadfast and speak the word, preaching to the unconverted youth around you. Tell them of the danger of living a life of sin, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:28–32. Tell the world the truth! Do not keep quiet; do not give up. Keep speaking until you see them changing; there is a reward for you in heaven. Our fathers and mothers are getting old; we have to take the mantle and be separated for God.
THE RESOLVE OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN A CORRUPT WORLD
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8
To resolve is to decide firmly on a course of action. As a young Christian youth with a promising future before you, you must decide firmly not to be affected by the corruption in the world. “And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” Ruth 1:15–17. Be firm like Ruth and stand with God and His people; you must constantly remember that, though you are in the world, you are not to be of the world. “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.” Ephesians 4:17
To resolve not to be corrupted or defiled by the world implies that you:
Put off all forms of worldly conduct: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Ephesians 4:22
Part with all evil associations: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Put off every form of corrupt communication: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29
Pray and study the Word of God: “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:8
Be prudent in your interactions and inter-personal relationships: “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.” Proverbs 14:17
THE REWARD OF NON-CONFORMITY IN A CORRUPT WORLD
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24–27
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:
Compassion from the Lord in times of need.
Constant fruit-bearing. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1–3
Communion with God.
Commendation from Christ.
Crown of glory. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
The Lord has promised to bless Christian young people who serve Him without being spotted by the world. “Blessed are the undfiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.” Psalm 119:1
To the undefiled Christian youth is reserved “An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:4
PRACTICAL DISCUSSIONS
In your view, what should be the stand of the Christian youth in this corrupt world?
Mention some corrupt activities that are done by unconverted youth in your school, to confirm the reality of corruption in this present world.
What practical steps must a Christian youth take to avoid being corrupted by the corrupt practices in our society?
What other rewards can the Christian get for a life of non-conformity to the world?
I want to thank God and my family in Canada for their love, support and prayers.
Ebrima John Jaiteh, The Gambia