Pastor E. Adeboye
STANDING ALONE
Memorise: “Thou shall not follow a multitude to do evil, neither shall thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgement” (Exodus 23:2)
Read: Proverbs 1:10-18
Fire is one of the four basic elements. In Genesis 1:2, we read of water, soil- dry land (Gen 1:9); air (Gen 2:7) and fire (Gen 19:24). According to scientists, 75% of the world is made of water, while this same element is responsible for 70% of the human body. All these elements are very significant to life. Let us look at the characteristics of fire. Fire is very distinct.
Elijah and John the Baptist were a type of fire. Fire does not copy. As a youth, you should not follow evil youths (Exodus 23:2). Be distinct. When people see you, they should be able to tell even from your dressing that you are a child of God. You are betrayed by your dressing.
Sometime ago, it was common practice for men of God to wear flowing ‘Agbada’. At that time, it was the world’s way of saying you have arrived. I wore it once or twice a year especially when I want to dance and praise God in my native dialect.
Apart from these times, my dressing singled me out. People complained that I look like a hunter, but I tell them I look like my Saviour. When we went to dedicate one of our schools in Sagamu sometime ago, the Governor’s representative said although he had never met me, he identified me by my dressing.
As a youth, you must not conform to the dressing pattern of the world but rather, you should be the one dictating to them how to dress acceptably.
Another characteristic of fire is that it does not conform. It is not afraid to stand alone. It does not yield to peer pressure. Elijah stood alone in 1 Kings 18:22. Dare to stand alone in your office even when other professing Christians compromise?
A nation was taken captive but only four young men stood as fire. It is your standing for the Lord in righteousness that marks you for greater heights. Other intending couples may go into premarital sex but you can’t.
Other so-called believers may be manipulating figures and receipts, but you can’t because you are fire. A man of God wrote a tract titled, Others may but I cannot. That’s because you are fire. Beloved, you are set apart for God.
Each time you stand alone in righteousness, you may be unpopular here, but do know that the crowd of witnesses in Heaven suddenly stand to give you an ovation! Jesus Christ also stands to honour and defend you.
Afterall, you are not really alone. Stand for what is right today!
Pray for an uncommon move of God during the forthcoming special Holy Ghost Service.
