I recently got word that one of my favourite people has just been made a pastor! Now, my first reaction was “LOL” in solid CAPS. Because Enemy of Progress there’s a tendency to suspect that we are really too young to begin to don robes for public office or service in any capacity, in my mind.

But, how can that be true when we are a generation so in tune with our selves, so connected to the world, so keen for more? Wouldn’t it be a waste to not indeed occupy and possess, expand and conquer territory now that we are still young, agile and curious? And for what better purpose than sharing the gospel? Who better to understand the new and startling problems of the day than the youth of the Kingdom?

“They offered sacrifices to false gods, which are not God, to gods they had not known before, to new gods only recently arrived, to gods their ancestors [parents] had never feared.

-Deuteronomy 32:17

Who better to understand these new “gods” of technology, drugs and odd fetishes among so many other things, than the young 21st century Christian?

The reason so many of think we are still young is because in Nigeria in particular, we have ruling classes in every sphere- political and religious included- who refuse to abdicate make-shift thrones, to make space for a new generation. So, the younger generation continues to rely on  the older who after waiting their turn for so long, hug power too tightly, especially power attained after the wane of youthful zest.  As a result, the frustration of the younger generation grows  in proportion to the redundancy and stagnation rates in the older. It is a vicious cycle.

My friend who inspired this post- Tolu and his wife Ijay, both got ordained pastors of The Waterbrook Church in Lagos. They are very practical, fitting, 21st century church leaders. Together with the other new pastors, all young and vibrant 20’s early 30 somethings, church just got real y’all!!!!! I could not be prouder of my friends if I tried! 🙂

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” ² Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. ³ Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

⁴ Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

⁵ Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

⁶ Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.

⁷ For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

-Ecclesiastes 12: 1-7