In the world, the enemy lies and deceives; he knows that our flesh is weak. If we have not been born again, we do not have the mind of Christ, and we are attracted to: prices, gifts, glory, etc. Whether it is in our youth or adolescents, sports come up—therefore ignoring that physical training is of little value. One competes, and after achieving something, receive rounds of applause, certificates, medals, and those prices are even more important when they have our names on them. In our youth, we are called to participate in a series of national events; if such activity is captured in the news, that information is sent nationally. These are all stimulating actions in order to see who is superior.

Everything, without God, is a trap from the enemy, because if we study abroad with authorities that are world renowned, our ego is stimulated. This just shows that one can achieve a life, but without peace; they don’t have faith nor know God. Their souls are dead in transgressions and sins for not having God and not keeping his commandments.

If we’re found in the plans of the one and true God, there will come a time when the glories will vanish. Coming into a spiritual crisis, and seeing that there is no way out, we will seek God with sincerity and necessity, pleading forgiveness for not valuing God’s love. These are the actions of a creature that needs to be reborn.

In this spiritual encounter, we are reborn to enter into the kingdom of heaven as a child; without malice, greed, avarice, and we come to find the desired rest for our souls when we understand what the word of God says: “What do people gain from all their labors, at which they toil under the sun?” (Ecc 1:3, NIV). And also, God says: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). Paul refers to the ones born in Christ: “And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Co 13:13).

God’s love is so immense, that he gave his son: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16). Is God in your life project? Let us see what the scriptures say about that: “ Jesus replied: ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind … Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mt 22: 37-39). It also says in another verse: “remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise without hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12). Prophet Daniel tells us: “… roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge” (Dn 12:4). Lord, help us to comprehend that love will grow cold and faith will dwindle. We can see that science is increasing every day.

There exist many congregations where there are lots of people singing, dancing, crying for a fleeting emotion and the question is: is God’s love there?  Does God really manifest there?  One cannot live the love if God’s spirit is not there. This is why in the congregations where they gather “in God’s name” without his Spirit, such nation keeps on suffering from violence and corruption. One hears about thefts, and how the wickedness of others increases. Everyone is searching for material things and they only talk about prosperity. God says: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mrk 8:36).

Those who attend universities have in their plans to present a life project that defines their short and long-term goals and objectives. What they do is interesting, but sad that in order to fulfill their careers they forsake their creator, who made us to his image and likeness. Who because of love gave us his Son to die in the cross, shedding the blood that redeems us, and that justifies us in order to see what our true life project should be.

It is time for the parents to help spiritually the youth that are found in universities or who are getting ready for it. If not, there will be economic prosperity, but not the spiritual answer to the human being.

May God help us to not leave his love, nor faith that pleases him, nor the hope of an eternal life. May God bless you! Amen.