A PAPER PRESENTED TO THE CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA, ST. MICHAELS PARISH UMUEZE-1 DURING HER YOUTH WEEK PROGRAMME
BY
ENGR.HACOC.OBASI,MNIM
OCTOBER 20, 2011 LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
1.0 INTRODUCTION At first, let us define the relevant and salient terms on the topic which include source, model and youth. Source seems to be a person or thing from which anything rises or originates. Youth means the state of being young and designates a period immediately following childhood while model is a person or thing considered as a standard of excellence to be copied or aspired to. From the definitions above and relating to the topic, Christ is the source and He is not only our model but a supermodel. However, Christ did not model a style or look for us to aspire to. Instead, He showed us what true godly character looks like. He lived a life that every serious Christian (Youth) should long to imitate. Presently, we live in a time when good role models are hard to come by, and this is all the reason we should look at what is truly important in life. Our media today are crazed cultured and verily are inundated with worship and praise for celebrities, professional athletes and pop culture icons that have increasingly made a practice of letting down those who look up to them. I am talking of those who have earned fame and fortune from the talents God has blessed them with only to see it squandered away on drugs, illicit sexual behavior, or corruption. Many people, especially youths, look up to these celebrities as role models and examples only to be let down when the big scandal breaks in the national media. However, we should remember that anything or anyone that takes place of God in our lives is an Idol. Idolatory is a grievous sin during the days of the Israelites as recorded in the Old Testament. Today, we have TV shows called Idols that are fawned over by millions and famous actors in Western World referred to as Idols. This trend is more pronounced among the youth of today. It is not uncommon to LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
find young girls with myriads of pictures of topless men on their school stationery and parents spend loads of cash on expensive clothing for their toddlers featuring the latest so-called Superheroes. People who work hard to earn their living recklessly spend their cash on magazines and tabloids featuring the latest happenings in Nollywood and Premiership. It is sad that these people spend their lives studying the rich and famous, but those stars in Nollywood or Premiership do not even realize their adoring fans exist. St. Paul says Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Therefore, we should choose just anyone to be a role model to us. Our looking up to someone should always be conditional on that person following Christ. 1.1 PHILOSOPHY OF BEING A YOUTH FOR CHRIST Our motto is For God and For Youth .. Through Christ. Our philosophy, we as Catholic youth for Christ should strive to and believe in, that; God is calling everyone to a personal relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ. This call is not exclusive, but shared with all sectors of society, regardless of age, colour, nationality, status and belief in life. The youths have a very special place in Gods heart and they in return have a very deep sense of love of God and that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is something that they desire. The youths have a vibrant, energetic, dynamic and free-spirited nature rather than denying this nature and forcing the youth into a mold that satisfies our own perception of Christianity and holiness. LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
The youth who detached themselves from God have not done so just because of their own liking or plan, but also because of societal deficiencies in family life, education and government structures. The youths who are full of ideas and are blessed by the lord with talents, that the youths are in need of friends and role models and therefore should be given the opportunity to develop these skills and relationships in a healthy environment. The youths realize the need to make decisions in life, but they should also know that as they do so, God should always be an inseparable part of these decisions knowing also that they are future leaders of families and society. The youths grow not only from what they receive, but more through with what they are able to share with others. As the plan of God unfolds, there is nothing and no one that can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:38-39). His love is our source of wisdom and His life becomes our model in helping build this present and future life for the youth. It is an active declaration of submission to the will of God primarily believing that the true purpose in life is to serve God above all things. 1.3 FIRM IN FAITH Every youth should have a deep rooted faith in God. You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Because He trusts in you (Is. 26:3). This means that our foundation should be built on the Lord Jesus. Faith built on trusting man, or preacher would not last longer. As the days go by, our carnal desires once again overpowered us and lead us away from Christ and His love for LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
us due to lack of faith. Many believers look unto those who preach as role models and when these preachers fail to meet their expectations, the believers get frustrated and turn away from the Lord. In 2 Tim. 2:19, The Bible says, The solid foundation of God stands, having this seal. The lord knows those who are His, and let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 1.4 NEED FOR A ROLE MODEL We all need a good role model. It might have been a helpful teacher at school or a youth leader. It might even have been our father, but in these days, there is a shortage of good moral role models. It is often said, if you are a leader or aspire to being a leader or are in a position of leadership, be best that you can be. Jesus Christ is the finest and highest role model any man or woman could wish to follow and emulate. Some people are dogged by their past. Something happened a few years ago and they can never get over it. Their background was not the best and they find it hard to escape and emerge. Role models can guide us, lead us and help us to overcome things we might find difficult to overcome on our own. Jesus knew who He was. He was Saviour, Lord and King, yet one night He took a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. That was the duty of the lowest servant in the house. He stopped to serve. He performed that most menial task before all His chosen men, showing them how to be great. Not many role models are prepared to teach us this level of service. What an example! He kept what is important, important. LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
He forgave the weaknesses of vulnerable men and used these incidents to teach, encourage and strengthen us today. He had and has a future for the most unlikely youths. Let that inspire and motivate you. Now even He is praying to the Father for those who need His help. If you have a role model who prays for you and who teaches and encourages you to pray you are richly blessed. In every walk of life Jesus Christ sets us the highest possible example. What better role model could you look for? 1.5 REASONS WHY CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE ROLE MODEL Regardless of who we (youths) look up to in this world, there is need to be taught the importance of making Jesus Christ the greatest influence of our lives. Therefore, let us examine a few reasons why Jesus Christ is the ultimate role model and remember why we should look up to Him before any other. Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life. We will never hear a news story break how sin or pride ruined the life of Christ. His life stands as a monument in time to what a life of character, integrity and compassionate influence should be. Jesus Christ will never let us down as a role model. He was the only human who ever lived without sin (Heb. 4:15), and we should strive to walk in His footsteps everyday of our lives. Jesus Christ showed us that greatness comes through humility and serving others. Today our thinking is to get everything you can as fast as you can. Christ lived His life in service of others. Christ was famous, but He always gave the credit and glory for His talents, power and ability to His Father in heaven. Jesus Christ teaches us that we have what we have because God LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
gave it to us, and whatever we accomplish in our life should be done to His glory. Compare that with the attitude of many of the people we look up to today. Jesus Christ defeated the very problem that causes some of our modern day role models to fall. He defeated sin and the devil! Sin is the source of every problem mankind experiences, and Jesus defeated it by heroically giving His life on the cross (Rom. 5: 6-12). No matter how great someone may become by todays standard, they cannot save themselves from sin. All men have sinned (Rom. 3:23), and only Jesus Christ can save us from the damage it has done (Acts. 4:12). Jesus Christ is the greatest role model that ever lived. He is the true Hero of the soul. 1.6 CERTAIN TRAITS OF CHRIST A YOUTH SHOULD ADOPT TO FOLLOW HIS STEPS Today, I would like to provide you with certain traits of Christ that a youth can and should adopt to follow in His steps: 1. Christ put God the Father first in His life and expects us to do same: By myself I can do nothing, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me (Jn. 5:30). If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matt. 16:24). What do we put before Christ and His lifestyle; A job, a reputation, our independence, our vanity, our pride, pleasures? Do we allow our family or job or associates to influence us to disobey Gods commandments? Are any of us ashamed to let others know we are Catholics (Christians)? Real role models put ethics above self, every time. LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
2. Christ did not put on a front. He was completely genuine: Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the public places and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. They devour widows houses (to gain possession of their property through wills etc) and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely (Luk. 20: 46 47). Does this scripture remind you of any religious leaders youve seen? Does it remind you of any ball player you know? How about judges and political leaders? Stop judging by mere appearance and make a right judgment (Jn. 7:24). Do we put on a front? And if we do, what is our motivation? To hide our true selves while we struggle to overcome or to hide from others just to make a good impression? How many of us are whitened selphuchres or do we just want to look important? That is called vanity. 3. Christ had humility in spite of who He was: Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, Good Master, What good thing must I do to get eternal life? Why do you call me good? Christ replied, there is only one who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments. Although Christ was perfect, He passed the praise on to our Father (Matt. 19:16 17). How do we accept praise ..by bragging further like you hear from athletic events, political figures etc. We are told to follow Christs example. Christ had humility . How humble are you? 4. Christ was bold, courageous and uncompromising: They went to Capernaum and when the Sabbath came, Christ went into the synagogue and began to teach. They were amazed at His teaching, because He taught LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
them as one who had authority, not as the teacher of the law (Mk. 1: 21 22). Teachers of the law were like lawyers today. They preach confusion to win their cases. Too few base their arguments on ethical or moral standards, especially if it might risk losing their case. 5. Christ was concerned about all kinds of people: You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy (Matt. 5:43). What is an enemy? What characteristics does an enemy have? Will an enemy try to destroy you by simply injuring or killing you? Can you tolerate character assassination, threats to your family, slander, threats to your livelihood, property or treasures? Or does an enemy try to hurt or damage you in any way he/she can? But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (Matt. 5: 44-47). Christ is calling on us to reach out and befriend people irrespective of tribe, colours, race and religion. 6. Christ strove to please His employer, His and our Father: The one who sent me is with me, He has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him (Jn. 8:29). I can do nothing on my own initiate. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of Him who sent me (Jn. 5:30). Do we strive to please our Father? My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work, Christ said (Jn. 4:34). Many people in our society want to please themselves first. Then, if they get LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
around to it, they may do good to theirs. One of my friends always visits the motherless babies homes, prisons, and orphanages every February 14. Thats doing the will of Him who sent Christ. Where do you spend your own Valentines day? 7. Christ was concerned about productivity: This is to My Fathers glory, that you bear much fruits, showing yourselves to be My disciples (Jn. 15:8). The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree; He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will still yield fruit in old age (Ps. 92:12 14). Are we spiritually fruitful? If not, are we Christs disciples? How is our productivity? ..... on the job, around the house, in Bible Study, praying for others, being an example to others? Are you known as a producer or are you known as dead wood? Remember: He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (Jn. 15:2). We must be spiritually productive. 8. Christ served others: A disciple is not above his teachers nor a slave above his master (Matt. 10:24). I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd given His life for the sheep (Jn. 10:11), just as the son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). Do we as youths (servants) give ourselves as good examples? And St. Paul said, Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1Tim. 4:12). To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I might by all means save some (1Cor. 9:22). We must all be of service to God and humankind as it is best work in life. LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM
1.7 CONCLUSION My dear people of God, let us remember always this most lovely thing about Christ, He lived and He died for others. When we are encouraged to become like Him, it means to let Him live out through us for others. We live among others who look to us as role models. We must think of the effect our words and actions will have on others in the body of Christ. Remember, you have been with Christ since you accepted Him through sacrament of Baptism. He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you because He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:5, 8). Just like Peter and John, you can afford to look unto Him who is the author and finisher of your faith (Heb. 12:2). St. Paul looked unto Him and ran the course of his life to glory in Gods kingdom. Satan will deceive you. Follow in Christs steps. He is the greatest role model in history. Look not unto Him as your role model only rather make Him your role model today. Thank you. HACO.