“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)
It is another Annual Youth Sunday celebration. A day like this reminds us that God does not wait for “later” to use young people; He calls them now. Paul’s words to Timothy echo across generations: “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers. . . .” In a world where identity is contested and values shift daily, God invites our youth to lead by the quiet strength of character.
Being an example is not about perfection; it is about consistency. It is choosing words that heal rather than harm, living with integrity when no one is watching, showing love in a culture of self-promotion, holding on to faith when peers drift, and guarding purity in a world that normalizes compromise.
Youth become examples not by age, but by alignment – that is, aligning their lives with Christ. When young believers walk in truth, they inspire the church, strengthen families, and shine as witnesses in schools, communities, and online spaces. Today, we celebrate our youth; not as the church of tomorrow, but as God’s vessels today. May they rise with courage, conviction, and Christlike character, setting an example that draws others closer to Jesus.
Happy Youth Sunday Celebration!
Rev. Moses A. Sodeinde
