LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE

AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS

A PAPER PRESENTED TO THE CATHOLIC YOUTH
ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA, ST. MICHAELS
PARISH UMUEZE-1 DURING HER YOUTH WEEK
PROGRAMME

BY

ENGR.HACOC.OBASI,MNIM

OCTOBER 20, 2011
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


1.0 INTRODUCTION
At first, let us define the relevant and salient terms on the topic which include
source, model and youth. Source seems to be a person or thing from which
anything rises or originates. Youth means the state of being young and designates
a period immediately following childhood while model is a person or thing
considered as a standard of excellence to be copied or aspired to. From the
definitions above and relating to the topic, Christ is the source and He is not only
our model but a supermodel. However, Christ did not model a style or look for us
to aspire to. Instead, He showed us what true godly character looks like. He lived
a life that every serious Christian (Youth) should long to imitate.
Presently, we live in a time when good role models are hard to come by, and this
is all the reason we should look at what is truly important in life. Our media today
are crazed cultured and verily are inundated with worship and praise for
celebrities, professional athletes and pop culture icons that have increasingly
made a practice of letting down those who look up to them. I am talking of those
who have earned fame and fortune from the talents God has blessed them with
only to see it squandered away on drugs, illicit sexual behavior, or corruption.
Many people, especially youths, look up to these celebrities as role models and
examples only to be let down when the big scandal breaks in the national media.
However, we should remember that anything or anyone that takes place of God
in our lives is an Idol. Idolatory is a grievous sin during the days of the Israelites as
recorded in the Old Testament. Today, we have TV shows called Idols that are
fawned over by millions and famous actors in Western World referred to as Idols.
This trend is more pronounced among the youth of today. It is not uncommon to
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


find young girls with myriads of pictures of topless men on their school stationery
and parents spend loads of cash on expensive clothing for their toddlers featuring
the latest so-called Superheroes. People who work hard to earn their living
recklessly spend their cash on magazines and tabloids featuring the latest
happenings in Nollywood and Premiership. It is sad that these people spend their
lives studying the rich and famous, but those stars in Nollywood or Premiership
do not even realize their adoring fans exist. St. Paul says Be ye followers of me,
even as I also am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Therefore, we should choose just
anyone to be a role model to us. Our looking up to someone should always be
conditional on that person following Christ.
1.1 PHILOSOPHY OF BEING A YOUTH FOR CHRIST
Our motto is For God and For Youth .. Through Christ. Our philosophy, we as
Catholic youth for Christ should strive to and believe in, that;
God is calling everyone to a personal relationship with Him through His son
Jesus Christ.
This call is not exclusive, but shared with all sectors of society, regardless of
age, colour, nationality, status and belief in life.
The youths have a very special place in Gods heart and they in return have
a very deep sense of love of God and that a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ is something that they desire.
The youths have a vibrant, energetic, dynamic and free-spirited nature
rather than denying this nature and forcing the youth into a mold that
satisfies our own perception of Christianity and holiness.
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


The youth who detached themselves from God have not done so just
because of their own liking or plan, but also because of societal deficiencies
in family life, education and government structures.
The youths who are full of ideas and are blessed by the lord with talents,
that the youths are in need of friends and role models and therefore should
be given the opportunity to develop these skills and relationships in a
healthy environment.
The youths realize the need to make decisions in life, but they should also
know that as they do so, God should always be an inseparable part of these
decisions knowing also that they are future leaders of families and society.
The youths grow not only from what they receive, but more through with
what they are able to share with others.
As the plan of God unfolds, there is nothing and no one that can separate
us from His love in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:38-39). His love is our source of
wisdom and His life becomes our model in helping build this present and
future life for the youth. It is an active declaration of submission to the will
of God primarily believing that the true purpose in life is to serve God
above all things.
1.3 FIRM IN FAITH
Every youth should have a deep rooted faith in God. You will keep Him in perfect
peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Because He trusts in you (Is. 26:3). This
means that our foundation should be built on the Lord Jesus. Faith built on
trusting man, or preacher would not last longer. As the days go by, our carnal
desires once again overpowered us and lead us away from Christ and His love for
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


us due to lack of faith. Many believers look unto those who preach as role models
and when these preachers fail to meet their expectations, the believers get
frustrated and turn away from the Lord. In 2 Tim. 2:19, The Bible says, The solid
foundation of God stands, having this seal. The lord knows those who are His, and
let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
1.4 NEED FOR A ROLE MODEL
We all need a good role model. It might have been a helpful teacher at school or a
youth leader. It might even have been our father, but in these days, there is a
shortage of good moral role models. It is often said, if you are a leader or aspire to
being a leader or are in a position of leadership, be best that you can be. Jesus
Christ is the finest and highest role model any man or woman could wish to follow
and emulate. Some people are dogged by their past. Something happened a few
years ago and they can never get over it. Their background was not the best and
they find it hard to escape and emerge. Role models can guide us, lead us and
help us to overcome things we might find difficult to overcome on our own.
Jesus knew who He was. He was Saviour, Lord and King, yet one night He took a
towel and washed the feet of His disciples. That was the duty of the lowest
servant in the house. He stopped to serve. He performed that most menial task
before all His chosen men, showing them how to be great. Not many role models
are prepared to teach us this level of service. What an example! He kept what is
important, important.
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


He forgave the weaknesses of vulnerable men and used these incidents to teach,
encourage and strengthen us today. He had and has a future for the most unlikely
youths. Let that inspire and motivate you.
Now even He is praying to the Father for those who need His help. If you have a
role model who prays for you and who teaches and encourages you to pray you
are richly blessed. In every walk of life Jesus Christ sets us the highest possible
example. What better role model could you look for?
1.5 REASONS WHY CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE ROLE MODEL
Regardless of who we (youths) look up to in this world, there is need to be taught
the importance of making Jesus Christ the greatest influence of our lives.
Therefore, let us examine a few reasons why Jesus Christ is the ultimate role
model and remember why we should look up to Him before any other.
Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life. We will never hear a news story
break how sin or pride ruined the life of Christ. His life stands as a
monument in time to what a life of character, integrity and compassionate
influence should be. Jesus Christ will never let us down as a role model. He
was the only human who ever lived without sin (Heb. 4:15), and we should
strive to walk in His footsteps everyday of our lives.
Jesus Christ showed us that greatness comes through humility and serving
others. Today our thinking is to get everything you can as fast as you can.
Christ lived His life in service of others. Christ was famous, but He always
gave the credit and glory for His talents, power and ability to His Father in
heaven. Jesus Christ teaches us that we have what we have because God
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


gave it to us, and whatever we accomplish in our life should be done to His
glory. Compare that with the attitude of many of the people we look up to
today.
Jesus Christ defeated the very problem that causes some of our modern
day role models to fall. He defeated sin and the devil! Sin is the source of
every problem mankind experiences, and Jesus defeated it by heroically
giving His life on the cross (Rom. 5: 6-12). No matter how great someone
may become by todays standard, they cannot save themselves from sin.
All men have sinned (Rom. 3:23), and only Jesus Christ can save us from
the damage it has done (Acts. 4:12). Jesus Christ is the greatest role model
that ever lived. He is the true Hero of the soul.
1.6 CERTAIN TRAITS OF CHRIST A YOUTH SHOULD ADOPT TO FOLLOW HIS
STEPS
Today, I would like to provide you with certain traits of Christ that a youth can
and should adopt to follow in His steps:
1. Christ put God the Father first in His life and expects us to do same: By
myself I can do nothing, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent
me (Jn. 5:30). If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and
take up his cross and follow me (Matt. 16:24). What do we put before
Christ and His lifestyle; A job, a reputation, our independence, our vanity,
our pride, pleasures? Do we allow our family or job or associates to
influence us to disobey Gods commandments? Are any of us ashamed to
let others know we are Catholics (Christians)? Real role models put ethics
above self, every time.
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


2. Christ did not put on a front. He was completely genuine: Beware of the
teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to
be greeted in the public places and have the most important seats in the
synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. They devour widows
houses (to gain possession of their property through wills etc) and for a
show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely (Luk.
20: 46 47). Does this scripture remind you of any religious leaders youve
seen? Does it remind you of any ball player you know? How about judges
and political leaders? Stop judging by mere appearance and make a right
judgment (Jn. 7:24). Do we put on a front? And if we do, what is our
motivation? To hide our true selves while we struggle to overcome or to
hide from others just to make a good impression? How many of us are
whitened selphuchres or do we just want to look important?
That is called vanity.
3. Christ had humility in spite of who He was: Now a man came up to Jesus
and asked, Good Master, What good thing must I do to get eternal life?
Why do you call me good? Christ replied, there is only one who is good. If
you want to enter life, obey the commandments. Although Christ was
perfect, He passed the praise on to our Father (Matt. 19:16 17). How do
we accept praise ..by bragging further like you hear from athletic
events, political figures etc. We are told to follow Christs example. Christ
had humility . How humble are you?
4. Christ was bold, courageous and uncompromising: They went to
Capernaum and when the Sabbath came, Christ went into the synagogue
and began to teach. They were amazed at His teaching, because He taught
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


them as one who had authority, not as the teacher of the law (Mk. 1: 21
22). Teachers of the law were like lawyers today. They preach confusion to
win their cases. Too few base their arguments on ethical or moral
standards, especially if it might risk losing their case.
5. Christ was concerned about all kinds of people: You have heard that it was
said, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy (Matt. 5:43). What is an
enemy? What characteristics does an enemy have? Will an enemy try to
destroy you by simply injuring or killing you? Can you tolerate character
assassination, threats to your family, slander, threats to your livelihood,
property or treasures? Or does an enemy try to hurt or damage you in any
way he/she can? But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. He causes
His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous
and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you
get? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than
others? Do not even pagans do that? (Matt. 5: 44-47). Christ is calling on us
to reach out and befriend people irrespective of tribe, colours, race and
religion.
6. Christ strove to please His employer, His and our Father: The one who sent
me is with me, He has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him
(Jn. 8:29). I can do nothing on my own initiate. As I hear, I judge, and my
judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of Him who
sent me (Jn. 5:30). Do we strive to please our Father? My food is to do the
will of Him who sent me and to finish His work, Christ said (Jn. 4:34). Many
people in our society want to please themselves first. Then, if they get
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


around to it, they may do good to theirs. One of my friends always visits the
motherless babies homes, prisons, and orphanages every February 14.
Thats doing the will of Him who sent Christ. Where do you spend your own
Valentines day?
7. Christ was concerned about productivity: This is to My Fathers glory, that
you bear much fruits, showing yourselves to be My disciples (Jn. 15:8). The
righteous man will flourish like the palm tree; He will grow like a cedar in
Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will still yield fruit in old
age (Ps. 92:12 14). Are we spiritually fruitful? If not, are we Christs
disciples? How is our productivity? ..... on the job, around the house, in
Bible Study, praying for others, being an example to others? Are you known
as a producer or are you known as dead wood? Remember: He cuts off
every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear
fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (Jn. 15:2). We must be
spiritually productive.
8. Christ served others: A disciple is not above his teachers nor a slave above
his master (Matt. 10:24). I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd given
His life for the sheep (Jn. 10:11), just as the son of man did not come to be
served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28).
Do we as youths (servants) give ourselves as good examples? And St. Paul
said, Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in
word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1Tim. 4:12). To the
weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things
to all men, so that I might by all means save some (1Cor. 9:22). We must all
be of service to God and humankind as it is best work in life.
LOOKING UNTO CHRIST, THE SOURCE AND MODEL OF ALL YOUTHS
ENGR. HACO C. OBASI, MNIM


1.7 CONCLUSION
My dear people of God, let us remember always this most lovely thing about
Christ, He lived and He died for others. When we are encouraged to become like
Him, it means to let Him live out through us for others. We live among others who
look to us as role models. We must think of the effect our words and actions will
have on others in the body of Christ. Remember, you have been with Christ since
you accepted Him through sacrament of Baptism. He has promised that He will
never leave you nor forsake you because He is the same yesterday, today and
forever (Heb. 13:5, 8). Just like Peter and John, you can afford to look unto Him
who is the author and finisher of your faith (Heb. 12:2). St. Paul looked unto Him
and ran the course of his life to glory in Gods kingdom. Satan will deceive you.
Follow in Christs steps. He is the greatest role model in history. Look not unto
Him as your role model only rather make Him your role model today.
Thank you.
HACO.