HOW TO LIVE AN EXCELLENT LIFE ACCORDING TO GOD'S PLAN

In today’s world, where mediocrity is celebrated and evangelize, how can a Christian youth live an excellent life according to God’s plan ( For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end – Jeremiah 29:11). We are going to consider some actionable points below which if consistently practised and followed will guarantee an excellent living to the glory of God.

Notice your environment – Many of us have at least a story of our past; maybe a bad one, in all I am happy you’ve survive all so far to even read this article, and I also know that a number of youth will argue that they could have fair better if they had better opportunities e.g. Lived in a better place of town, more relatable parents, gone to a fine and better higher institution and many more.

However, you and I know that God never makes mistake, he has placed us where we are for a reason, it is your job to notice the environment you are, take complete responsibility of your life and work towards turning things around. You have everything you need to start with, I repeat “YOU HAVE EVERYTHING”. Do not allow the environment to be the reason that you’ve decided to live a mediocre life, rise above the challenges and make things happen – My friend; Pastor Tobi of First Baptist Church Festac Town would say “Don’t be a local champion”. I beseech you to look beyond your environment and live the fulfilled life God has destined you for.

Don’t leave anything to chance – No great person became great by chance, none of the things happening to you right now and the ones that has happened in the past is by chance or an happenstance, it is as a result of actions you’ve taken or perhaps the ones that people around you have taken, if your plan and calling is to become a pilot, it won’t happen by chance, if the opportunity arise for you to pilot a plane, without the proper skills already in place, the opportunity will be giving to someone else.
One of the rules of been a young adult that I learnt early enough in life is to take responsibility for my life, if I stand before God for judgement, I won’t be ask to speak for someone else, I will be asked to speak for myself and myself alone. I decided very early in my teenage years to take decision for my life as God will direct. I plead to every youth reading this to do away with blames and take responsibility. Your life hasn’t been great, you do not have enough money as you should, you don’t have the dream job you have been aspiring for? The real question is, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? Let us work towards our goals without leaving anything to chance. Make up your mind every single day, to take a recognisable step towards your life goal(s) but also remember to guide the steps.

Do things right always – Obviously, we live in a world that is controlled by a good number of people with evil mindset, the world is full of immorality, it doesn’t take too much to stand out, but as Christians it is expected of us to always be of good character; the bible said we should

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8”.

If your friends always put you in a very bad position, asking you to do the things that is against what God has told us, it will be better for you to renounce such friendship. The instruction in the bible is for us to live an exemplary and excellent life, such should be pursued and followed accordingly.

Pray every day - I don’t know about you but prayer is a place of peace for me, no matter how troubled I am, you should endeavour to make it a habit, prayer should be a part of you. The bible said you should pray without ceasing. Lay your plans before God; telling HIM your plans is the assurance you need for a purposeful life.

Study the bible – The bible is not a storybook or a history book, you will know that the bible captures every aspect of life be it Business, Marriage, Education, Technology etc. You can start with the book of proverbs, reading one chapter per day, in few days or months – you will see how your conversation will change and the Holy Spirit will be in charge of making things happen for you because of the knowledge you gather daily in the Word of God.

In conclusion, I am most concerned about the fact that several youths will rather spend time on Social Media than taking responsibility for their lives and taking actionable steps towards making their lives better.
We have the good age on our side, we have the strength, we have the excellent SPIRIT of GOD. I pray that God will open our eyes and minds, helping us live excellently in Jesus name. Amen

Ademola Alabi – FBC Kuje Amuwo.