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This article draws inspiration from a lecture by Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah, the former General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, titled “Sharing the Gospel in Contemporary Times” at the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission (PSTM). The terms “centripetal worship” and “centrifugal worship” were introduced during the lecture. I will, thus, delve into these concepts and their relation to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in the modern era.

Centripetal, a term derived from physics, refers to the force that propels an object travelling in a circular path towards the centre of that circle. It ensures that an object continues moving in a circular motion and prevents it from moving in a straight line.

In the Old Testament (OT), kings, prophets, and judges engaged in centripetal worship, with Jerusalem as the focal point. People from all over the world would journey to Jerusalem to worship, believing that God resided solely in the temple. Upon the completion of the temple’s construction in Jerusalem, King Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 8:22–51, emphasising the significance of the temple. His prayer includes multiple references to the temple. This indicates that both the king and the nation believed God’s presence was confined to the temple and the nation.

This belief was rooted in the practice of worship in the Tabernacle, which consisted of two distinct inner spaces: “the holy place” and “the most holy place” (Holy of Holies). The outer room, known as the “holy place,” housed the seven-branched candelabrum (menorah), the altar of incense, and the table for the bread of the Presence (shewbread). As the Ark of the Covenant was carried to different locations, the presence of God was believed to be there. Thus, when King Darius issued a decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god except the king, Daniel, in Daniel 6:10, turned his face toward Jerusalem to worship. Similarly, the Ethiopian worshipper described in Acts 8:26–40 travelled from his country to Jerusalem to offer his prayers to God.

However, contemporary Christians should embrace centrifugal worship instead of centripetal worship. “Fictitious” or “apparent” force is often used to describe centrifugal force. It appears to push objects away from the centre of rotation, opposing the centripetal force. Thus, centrifugal worship involves moving away from the centre, symbolised by Jerusalem, and spreading the gospel to the rest of the world. Jesus, understanding His disciples’ thoughts, instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until they were baptised in the Holy Spirit, empowering them to bear witness to Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This great commission is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 28:19–20, urging His disciples to leave Jerusalem and go into the world, making disciples, baptising them, and teaching them to follow His commands. Acts 4 demonstrates the fulfilment of Jesus’ directive as three thousand (3000) men were saved. Despite the initial focus on Jerusalem due to the apostles’ enjoyment of a large following, it took persecution in Acts 8, 11, and elsewhere for the church to expand globally.

As contemporary Christians, we must engage in centrifugal worship by actively sharing the gospel with everyone. We cannot receive and keep the Word to ourselves while others perish. God sent His only begotten son out of His immense love to save the world. Instead of confining ourselves to comfortable spaces, we must demonstrate God’s love to those who have not heard of Jesus.

Today, we have various ways to spread the gospel, such as utilising social media, engaging in personal evangelism, reaching out to marginalised communities, including physically-challenged individuals, and even going from house to house – We have no excuse!

Therefore, our commitment to the Great Commission must be unwavering, as every soul matters.

Written by P/Overseer Solomon Boadi

Throughout history, leaders have relied on their wisdom and strength to achieve their goals. Combining experience and fresh perspectives has proven to be a powerful tool for successful leadership. Youth bring strength, energy, creativity, and a willingness to take risks, while the elderly offer wisdom, counsel, guidance, and a deep understanding of the world.

Leadership is the ability to combine strength and wisdom to achieve desired results. Strength is the capacity or willingness to withstand great force or pressure through zeal or passion, while wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, guidance, and counsel. From a clear perspective, the strength of youth brings energy, passion, and innovation to leadership. Young leaders are often bold, creative, and unafraid to take risks, which are essential qualities for success in today’s fast-paced, rapidly changing world. Together, they form a formidable team that can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

As written in the book of Ecclesiastes, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them'” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). This verse emphasises the importance of utilising the strength of youth while acknowledging the fleeting nature of time. It is crucial to invest in the younger generation and empower them to lead, as they will be the ones to carry the torch forward. Youths are people with passion and a readiness to take action. The challenge lies in whether we will use their strength to benefit the church or the world. However, the value of the elderly should not be underestimated.

As stated in Proverbs, “Gray hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). This highlights the honour and respect that should be given to those who have lived long and fruitful lives. Their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom are invaluable assets that can guide and mentor the younger generation. The strength of youth needs nurturing and coaching for maximum impact.

For this reason, leadership is a critical aspect of any organisation, whether it is a business, non-profit, or religious institution. Great leaders possess unique qualities, including strength, wisdom, and vision. Proverbs 20:29 states, “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendour of old men is their grey hair.” From this scripture, the question arises about who makes the best leaders. Is it the young, with their energy and fresh ideas, or the old, with their experience and wisdom? The answer is simple: the strength of the youth and the wisdom of the elderly are great tools for successful leadership.

Young people are valuable assets in any organisation. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy to the table. In the Bible, youth are often recognised as a source of strength and vitality. Ecclesiastes 11:9 also says, “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will judge you for all these things.” This verse acknowledges the youthful exuberance and encourages young people to pursue their passions while recognising the need for accountability.

The Church of Pentecost recognises the strength of youth in leadership. The operational structure of the church encourages young people to take up leadership roles and responsibilities within the church and society. The church believes that young people can make a positive impact and contribute to the growth and development of their communities. In doing so, they become good leaders as they grow older, gaining experience and appreciating what the youth bring to the table when they are involved in leadership.

Additionally, the Bible teaches that young leaders can inspire others. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” This verse encourages young leaders to set a positive example for others and to demonstrate their leadership potential.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that older leaders can be excellent mentors. Titus 2:2-3 reads, “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.” This verse highlights the importance of older leaders in mentoring and teaching younger leaders. Effective leadership requires a balance of the strength of youth and the wisdom of the elderly. Young leaders bring fresh ideas, boundless energy, and inspiration, while older leaders bring experience, wisdom, and mentorship. Combining these two elements creates a powerful leadership dynamic that can guide organisations to success.

In conclusion, successful leadership requires both the strength of youth and the wisdom of the elderly. The Bible teaches that both the young and old have unique qualities to offer in leadership. Young leaders bring enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation, while older leaders bring experience, wisdom, and mentorship. By working together, they can create a powerful leadership dynamic that can guide organisations to success. As Psalm 71:18 says, “Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Both age groups have their unique strengths and contributions to make, and it is essential to recognise and harness them. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” Let us embrace the strength of the youth and the wisdom of the elderly in leadership and work together towards a better future. If we truly aim to bridge the generational gap in leadership, we need to blend the young and the old in leadership, utilising the strength of the youth while imparting the lessons learned through experience.

Written by P/Overseer Enoch Okain

One delightful observation I made during the just-ended National Youth Ministry Week celebration of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) was the active involvement of the teens. Watching videos and seeing pictures from various assemblies across the nation filled me with excitement.

I remember telling a colleague youth ministry leader that if we had this level of engagement when we were growing up, many of our teens would have been properly grounded in Christ and the Church and would have played active roles at various levels in the church. In the past, there was no proper structure established to effectively coordinate the activities of teens in the CoP. If you were fortunate as a teen to find yourself in an assembly with leaders who believed in the potential of teens, then you were blessed. I count myself as one of those teens who, while growing up, was fortunate to have leaders who gave us room to learn and grow in the faith.

I was only 17 years old when I was appointed District Secretary for the Children’s Ministry in the Elmina District of the Cape Coast Area, right after graduating from Senior High School. Again, I was appointed as the local leader for the Youth Ministry of SSNIT Flats Assembly, also in the Elmina District. At the age of 18, I was ordained as a Deacon by Apostle Kwesi Ackah Baidoo (Rtd.). The Lord made all these opportunities possible through Elders Samuel Michael Boham and Francis Freeman. They gave me many opportunities as a teen to learn, and though I made some mistakes along the way, they were very patient with me. I remember the many preaching assignments they both gave me, the opportunity to represent them at meetings, and, most importantly, how they disciplined me in love.

Around the same time that I had the humble privilege of serving the Lord and His church in these capacities, many of my peers in other assemblies in the same district were struggling to fit into the church. Some, out of frustration, left the church. Those who stayed did so only because their parents were active members and could not leave, but their visible frustration was evident. The truth is, some of these teenagers in other districts were far more talented than me, but they simply did not have the opportunities I had.

In 2015, I was appointed as the District Youth Ministry Leader for Abossey Okai Worship Centre. One of the key areas I focused on as a leader was the Ministry to Teens. These teens became like family to me and my team. We were very intentional in how we nurtured them, providing them with opportunities to express themselves and grow both in the Lord and in the church. Today, as I reflect, I see many of them doing remarkable things in the house of the Lord, and I bless God for their lives.

In January 2023, I was reviewed as the Youth Ministry Leader, and the young man who succeeded me, Deacon Philemon Otoo, happened to be one of my students in the teens class. Prior to becoming the District Leader, he served as the PENSA President for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). During the recent Youth Week, I witnessed how the Lord used this young man, and I was amazed at how he led both the young and the old to observe the week successfully.

I have witnessed firsthand what the Lord can do with teens when given the opportunity. I am a living testimony, just like Philemon, my predecessor. In the COP, as of December 2022, we had 762,190 teens in Ghana alone. The decision by the church’s leadership to relaunch the Ministry to Teens is a very strategic one. What I witnessed during the National Youth Ministry Week is enough to demonstrate that when our teens are provided with the right opportunities and an enabling environment, they can serve the purpose of God in their generation exceptionally well.

Written by Elder Yaw Asamoah Akowuah (Ministry to Teens Coordinator, Kaneshie Area)

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a brand is an identifying mark burned on livestock or, in former times, criminals or enslaved people with a branding iron. Based on this definition, branding reveals one’s identity. Branding is a concept that has been established and applied in the world.

When the disciples lived a lifestyle that resembled Jesus Christ, they took on an identity or a brand. As a result, they were called Christians (Acts 11:26). Therefore, the disciples carried what I call “The brand of Christ.” This brand should be carried by everyone who has accepted CHRIST and confessed His Lordship over their lives. People in our communities should see Christ in us.

Jesus instructed the disciples to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, according to Acts 2, the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the work of the Spirit in the lives of believers gave them another brand, which I term “The Church of Pentecost Brand.” For The Church of Pentecost (CoP), our Pentecostal Distinctiveness is based on our Pentecostal Doctrine and Pentecostal Spirituality.

Pentecostals see themselves as recapturing the spiritual renewal experienced by the first-century Christians who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals emphasise the baptism in the Holy Spirit after conversion, evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Several distinguishing marks differentiate Pentecostals from other Christians. These include:

• A strong emphasis on the need for individuals to undergo the born-again experience (confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior) before they can be called Christians (John 3:3).
• A belief in a post-conversion experience called “the Baptism of the Holy Spirit” with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:6).
• A strong emphasis on the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11; Galatians 5:22-23) in the lives of believers. The gift of the Holy Spirit refers to the various ways in which the power of God works through the believer, while the fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of Jesus Christ being displayed in the life of the believer.
• A belief in the manifestation of signs, wonders, and miracles following the preaching of the word of God (Mark 16:17-18) as exemplified by the early church.
• A strong belief in the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ, also called the Parousia (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12).
• Emphasis on holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
• Emphasis on aggressive evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:4).
• A belief in exuberant and emotional worship (Psalm 66:1).
• Emphasis on spontaneous, natural worship characterised by singing, drumming, clapping, praising, and dancing (Psalm 47:1; 149:3; 150:4).
• Strong emphasis on church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:2-5; 1 Timothy 5:20).
• Emphasis on the “full-gospel” or “Four-Square-Gospel” (Acts 5:20).
• Emphasis on the simplicity of the gospel and a simple lifestyle (2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV).
• Emphasis on prayer and fasting (Acts 13:3).

Growing up as a child in The Church of Pentecost (Classical Pentecostals), I always experienced a certain kind of spiritual atmosphere during services. This was not limited to Sundays or weekly services but also during weddings, funerals, and other gatherings. CoP members usually feel uncomfortable when such an atmosphere is absent in non-CoP gatherings.

This is another aspect of the CoP brand (related to Pentecostal worship) that the leadership is strategically handing over to the youth as a legacy. They do this through prayer, mentoring, and teaching. I refer to it as the “Spiritual Atmosphere Brand” of the CoP.

THE UNIQUE PENTECOSTAL WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

Our spirituality influences our worship just as our worship affects our spirituality. We cannot separate our spirituality from our worship because they are interdependent. Spirituality is expressed in worship, and worship is determined by spirituality. Our spirituality and worship are outward expressions of our belief in a creator God who is greater than us in every way.

One important aspect of worship we cannot ignore is the experience of being satisfied with God in Christ. This experience speaks of His greatness. Apart from being an expression of gratitude, worship is also a means of grace, whereby those who are spiritually hungry are fed.

In the CoP worship setting, we believe that God approaches human beings at the level they can meet or experience Him. Just as the leadership encourages personal pre-service preparation (before congregational worship), which the Puritans called heart-work, church leaders are responsible for creating an enabling environment for people to worship God with their hearts, mind, soul, and strength.

This means creating an environment where people can personally and closely connect with God to glorify, honour, and bless Him – and the CoP holds this in high esteem. This is why we are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at every point in the service.

The distinctive spiritual atmosphere can be felt during CoP services. I describe it as “The Grace of a Holy Spirit-Charged Atmosphere.” Most leaders in the CoP are blessed with the ability to create and maintain such an enabling spiritual atmosphere. They know when to allow songs to continue, when to disallow, when to pray, when to end, when to dance, and when to stop. The result of this is always evident through:

• Joyous celebrations in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
• People’s eagerness to return to the church for another encounter with the Lord.
• Worshippers having a strong sense of God’s presence.
• Individuals willingly repenting and surrendering their lives to God.

Indeed, there is always an indescribable move and order during these gatherings. This is also a special brand—a unique aspect of CoP!  As a result, spontaneous Holy Ghost-impacted worship is always present. There is always joy in the Holy Spirit during CoP services and meetings. Superficial worship leads to spiritual decline, and I thank God that this is usually not the case in the CoP setting.

OUR PART AS YOUTH

The CoP is a distinctive, God-given, and a firebrand – which is why I am a proud Brand Ambassador of this great Church.

Indeed, the CoP brand is a great heritage for us. As youth, let us strive to remain at the feet of our fathers to receive this grace. Let us not imitate outsiders and so-called “deep preachers.” Instead, thank God for The Church of Pentecost and do everything we can to safeguard, project and pass it on to ensuing generations.

Hey brother! Be grounded!

Hey sister! Be grounded!

Be grounded!

May God bless us all.

Written by Elder Martinson Twum Asamoah (Aworowa District Youth Ministry Leader, Techiman Area)

“GO” is an action word. When it enters an individual’s mind, it signifies that they are convinced of what needs to be done or must be done. In order to take action, one must understand what needs to be accomplished.

“GO” is also a commanding power that drives your original intent to align with your vision, enabling you to become the prosperous being you were created to be. As a result, youth who know when and how to act enjoy the benefits that life offers without experiencing failure.

In the entrepreneurial world, “GO” translates to taking risks. There are numerous productive opportunities available for youth to embrace. However, if this power is not activated to support your desire for what you yearn for, you will miss out on these opportunities.

Furthermore, “GO” is defined as “Redeeming the time…” (Ephesians 5:16). As a youth, it is expected of us to arise and shine. This means that in order to achieve excellence, we need to take action. It is essential to recognise that everyone has a destination, meaning everyone is on a mission based on their intent. If you are unaware of your mission, you will stumble and subject yourself to the misfortunes that arise from missing out on opportunities meant for you. Whether you aim to partner with a specific business or organisation, understanding and embracing your mission is crucial.

To excel in your field as a youth, make a significant impact, and transform your world, you must be willing to take risks. Your excellence demands your ability to take action. Whether it is promoting your products, building your brand, or showcasing your talent, among other initiatives, you must overcome shyness and timidity. This will enable you to take full responsibility and pave the way for success.

Remember, as a youth; it is important to rise and shine for excellence. Keep shining.

Thank you.

Written by Tonnie Baffoe

During a conversation with a young man from a tertiary institution, I asked him what he would change or improve in his life if given the chance. He responded by saying that he would prioritise discipline. He expressed regret over past mistakes that could have been avoided had he possessed the wisdom he now has.

For many young individuals, life often revolves around immediate concerns such as food, clothing, friends, and shelter. These aspects take precedence, and it is natural for young people to prioritise them. This is not their fault, as youth is a stage of life that involves exploration and discovery. However, life also presents choices between right and wrong, truth and lies, good and bad. These choices are not exclusive to a particular age group or gender; they are inherent to one’s character and makeup.

Although young individuals may be perceived as naive, the decisions they make do not exempt them from life’s challenges. Every poor decision leaves a mark, either physically or mentally, and contributes to their learning and growth.

Let us reflect on the following scriptures from the New Living Translation:

• Ecclesiastes 11:9 – “Young people, it’s wonderful to be young. Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.”
• Ecclesiastes 11:10 – “So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.”
• Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

Watching toddlers grow up right before our eyes is a wonderful experience for every parent. As time passes and they reach adulthood, managing companies, participating in board meetings, and making significant decisions, it is natural to recall incidents from their childhood. There were instances when they made mistakes that frustrated us to the point where we wanted to discipline them severely. However, we soon realised they were just kids, unaware of the world’s complexities. As parents blessed with multiple children, we entrust authority to the older ones to take care of the younger ones and guide them as they grow. But how much training and discipline do we invest in our children?

UNDERSTANDING DISCIPLINE

It seems that nature often takes its course in the training of children, with parents following suit. However, parents who take the time and effort to train their children with discipline reap greater rewards. I would, therefore, like to focus on the aspect of discipline in this training. To make a simple distinction between training and discipline, I would say that training may or may not involve pain, but discipline is always accompanied by pain.

Unfortunately, young people have often viewed discipline from the wrong perspective. Perhaps parents and guardians have misused the word or employed wrong motives and actions, leading young people to dislike discipline while desiring its fruit—success. However, it is important to understand the true meaning of discipline. The root word of discipline is “disciple,” which comes from the Latin word “discipulus,” meaning “student.” Therefore, discipline is derived from the Latin word “disciplina,” which means instruction, learning, and adhering to a set standard.

So, what is discipline? It is the act of studying, learning, training, and applying a system of standards. If the root word of discipline is “disciple,” then it implies that God has entrusted young people to parents to make them disciples, passing on their wisdom and ensuring the continuity of family blessings. Parents cannot exempt themselves from this duty and expect to raise well-rounded children. Neglecting this divine call to parent-child discipleship leads to societal and governmental intervention, where others mould young minds according to their own standards. While it may be challenging to gain the cooperation of young people, it is still imperative to make an effort.

Let us turn our attention to the scripture mentioned earlier, which states that it is wonderful to be young and encourages young people to enjoy every moment, do everything they want to do, and take it all in. Some scholars believe that King Solomon was around nineteen to twenty-five years old when he ascended the throne of Israel. Despite his youth, God blessed him with wisdom and an opportunity to fulfil his divine mandate. However, God’s blessings did not exempt Solomon from his natural weaknesses or provide him with an excuse to indulge in youthful passions and desires. Instead, they elevated him to fulfil his purpose.

Undoubtedly, young people are an amazing category of individuals. They possess admirable qualities, exude energy, and are enjoyable to be around. Youthful days come with valuable lessons, pleasure, freedom, mistakes, and experiences. This stage of life is full of adventure, experimentation, and fun. Some young people engage in deep exploration without considering the consequences, which can lead them into deep trouble. It is crucial for every individual to know their breaking point, where they need to say a firm no.

The scripture suggests that young people can “take it all in,” implying that there is room for naughtiness and seemingly getting away with it. However, life cannot be cheated, and it eventually pays back what has been invested in it. Being smart, strong, and modern does not guarantee salvation from the consequences of failing the test of discipline and losing control over one’s life. Solomon urged young people to be self-aware of their actions and become masters of their own lives, knowing that they will be held accountable to God for everything they do.

At first glance, the Scripture may seem to endorse everything young people do, but that is untrue. Solomon became king at a young age, and with that power came the freedom to do as he pleased. However, he also cautioned young people about the consequences that accompany such power. I believe that God granted Solomon rest from his father’s enemies, allowing him to enjoy the privileges that came with royalty. Yet, amidst these privileges, Solomon made foolish mistakes.

Young people are full of energy and have a desire to make the most of their lives. Imposing rules and regulations to mitigate their actions may feel like confining them to a small prison, and they will resist it with all their energy. Taming young people with their vast energy is challenging, but it is possible to harness that energy to shape society. Discipline involves instruction, learning, and applying a system of standards. This way of life requires sacrificing some aspects of youthful enjoyment, which are prone to mistakes but are still enjoyable to the youth. This is where discipline becomes difficult. Young individuals want to experience everything freely and without being dictated to. They want to showcase their abilities and earn respect. While some young people appreciate advice, the majority prefer to engage in discussions and be reasoned with, even when they are at fault.

Solomon added the latter part of the scripture to emphasise the fragile nature of the young person’s heart and their accountability to God. Therefore, they should be trained and instructed not through compulsion but through the spirit of obedience and free will. In verse 10, Solomon expressed that life is meaningless without adhering to strict disciplinary behaviours that positively impact their generation and the next. Solomon himself should have been the one referred to as the seed by the Messiah, but it was his father, David, who laid a solid foundation for him. Unfortunately, Solomon missed the mark. He surrounded himself with a thousand women who led him astray into idol worship. As a result, his kingdom was divided, and his great wisdom was squandered. Despite receiving twelve tribes from his father, Solomon handed over a kingdom on the verge of breaking apart to his son, Rehoboam, who mismanaged it, leading to its eventual division. In his old age, Solomon realised that if he had disciplined certain aspects of his life, his dynasty would have endured forever. Hence, he wrote, “Remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.” Solomon’s journey and the wisdom bestowed upon him by God make him an ideal life coach for young people.

It is true that no discipline seems pleasant, as sometimes the one imparting discipline may appear freer than the one undergoing training. In such cases, doubts may arise about whether the disciplinarian has truly overcome the challenges they impose. Some may even believe that it is sheer wickedness and that the disciplinarian does not genuinely desire the success of the individual but instead seeks an opportunity to subject them to failure. When facing uncomfortable challenges, various ideas may come to mind. It is essential to clarify that I do not endorse wicked individuals who inflict physical, emotional, or psychological harm in the name of discipline. However, I support those who genuinely want people to succeed in life. Sometimes, it is the devil’s tactic to derail young people from the path of discipline, preventing them from undergoing the refining training they need.

Discipline occurs in phases and is time-bound. Once the time elapses, disciplining, training, correcting, or instructing a person becomes exceedingly difficult. To illustrate this concept further, imagine trying to straighten a young tree—it is much easier than straightening a fully grown tree. Allow me to shed more light on the different phases of discipline.

FIRST PHASE (DISCIPLINE)

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Children are born into families, and parents are responsible for raising and training them. The scripture emphasises the vital role parents play in raising their children. To set a child on the right path in life, they must be taught to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ and walk with God to fulfil their divine purpose. Every family has a unique way, designed by God, to thrive. Some families start at the bottom while others find themselves at the top, but what truly matters is the training the child receives.

Young people often resist discipline because their vision is limited compared to their trainers. They may reject discipline in favour of a seemingly carefree life that is visible to them. However, laying a solid foundation for children starts with parents. Children need to understand their boundaries, how to conduct themselves, and how to treat others. These fundamental principles of discipline should be addressed by parents. Regardless of age, children should be aware of the consequences of their actions and decisions.

Parents must take full responsibility for making critical decisions that align with their children’s well-being, even if it causes them pain. They must teach and insist that their children consistently do what is right until it becomes ingrained in their character. Parents should also teach their children to say no with conviction. It is essential to recognise that young people value their freedom and may resist the discipline imposed upon them during their training. However, parents should never give up. As a parent, you possess the wisdom to guide your children through the obstacles they will encounter in life. Insist that they do the right things at the right time when you are satisfied with their progress, reward or appreciate them. During this phase, parents may not appear favourable in the eyes of their children undergoing training, but in the long run, their efforts will be crowned with success.

SECOND PHASE (SELF-DISCIPLINE)

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Self-discipline is the most crucial ingredient for a prosperous life, approved by both God and humanity. Self-discipline illuminates one’s character. In this phase, young adults build upon what they have learned in the first phase and strive to demonstrate excellent character. As young people grow and transition into adulthood, they leave their parents’ care to start their own lives. This is when they need to master self-discipline.

A person who is disciplined in life likely received intense training and values at home during their youth. They may not have appreciated it then but reap the benefits later. Self-discipline manifests in various aspects of life, ultimately achieved through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To achieve holistic self-discipline, one must practice self-denial and goal-setting.

Successful individuals pay attention to details, plan their days to avoid wasting time on unproductive pursuits, keep their desires in check, and carry themselves with integrity. They practice what they preach and are open to receiving advice. While there is much more to be said about them, the simple truth is that they stand out as extraordinary among the ordinary. Such a life requires great sacrifices, commitments, and discipline. Young people who desire freedom and enjoyment during their youthful days may be unwilling to sacrifice their flamboyant lifestyle for the training that paves the way to success. Some may even attempt to have the best of both worlds. My advice to young people is that they cannot serve God and material wealth simultaneously while pleasing God, who has given them His Spirit. They need to make a choice regarding which path they want to take. Many young people today live lives of mediocrity, appearing bright on the outside but experiencing chaos within. If young people truly aspire to reach the top, they must embrace self-discipline.

THIRD PHASE (PRINCIPLED PERSON OR JUST PERSON)

This final phase is reserved for achievers and those who cannot be compromised. They may not enjoy strong relationships even among their peers, but society recognises them as the lifelines for the continued survival of their communities. The scripture affirms that God is and has no partiality in Him. If young people aim to reach this goal and become like God in their actions and speech, their generation will surpass the glory of the former days.

CONCLUSION

The surge of indiscipline in society serves as a testament that something is amiss and that immediate action is necessary. Let us start by raising children well at home and praying for our brothers and sisters to remember Solomon’s words that all will give an account on the day of judgment. Love discipline, love success.

Written by Pastor Joseph Zoot