Youth
A Cleric, Mr Effiong Okon, on Tuesday, warned youths across the country to desist from celebrating Christmas with the consumption of alcoholic drinks and smoking of hard substances.
Okon, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Karu, Nasarawa State that it was possible for everyone to glorify Jesus without being intoxicated.
The cleric enjoined Nigerian youths to see the celebration of the birth of Christ as a moment for sober reflection, and should not engage in immoral acts, adding that when the purpose of a thing was not known, abuse was inevitable.
“When you see some youths misbehaving during Christmas; going into all kinds of sins, the reason is that most of them do not know the reason for the season.
“The coming of Jesus is to save man from sin. Jesus came to this world so that we that are in darkness may see light, and also we that are on the way to destruction may be redeemed.
“So there is no way the coming of such a person can encourage more sins, rather it is for people to be sober, think about their wrongful lifestyles and repent.
“We have to put our hearts, lifestyles to the way of the Lord, so that the coming of Jesus which is the celebration of his birth will not bring condemnation to any of us,” he said.
Okon said that what should be most important to every Nigerian, was to sit back and ponder on the reason and purpose for the birth of Jesus Christ, stressing that it should be a time to seek Jesus.
He also called on the parents to see the period as a time to inculcate moral principles on their children so as to enhance a peaceful and better society.
Okon reminded parents of their roles as first instructors to their children, adding that they should not allow them to be led astray during the celebration.
According to him, parents are expected to tell their children the reason for the season, and that home is the best place morality can be instilled in the children.
“As parents, you must let your children know the consequences of whatever they do, either good or bad, negative or positive, the reward and punishment,” he said. (NAN)
– Dec. 17, 2019 @ 12:27 GMT |
Tags: smoking Yuletide: Cleric cautions youths against drinking
