The Tribune

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS

In Part I, we considered what it meant to surpass expectations when it came to character as it relates to friendship, family and marriage. In this meditation, the challenge to our young people continues, even as we also promise them to lead by example.

You are going to be godly parents who take parenting classes to be the best that you can be, before the classes are mandatory, because your child is in trouble:

“4 My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding. 2 What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all. 3 When I was only a little boy, my parents’ only son, 4 my father would teach me. He would say, “Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say. 6 Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will keep you safe. 7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight. 8 Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her,[a] and she will bring you honor. 9 She will be your crowning glory.” (Prov. 4:1-9 GNT)

1. You will then train your children well as you lead by example.

2.You will speak firmly but lovingly, without sarcastic, harsh and cruel comments, instead making positive suggestions, rewarding obedience and administering appropriate correction.

1. Your children will rise up and call you blessed.

2. You will help others to parent their children, offering counsel and encouragement.

3. You will find ways to minister to our nation’s children, especially those whose parents are too young or inexperienced to do a good job.

When it comes to work, we expect you to have studied hard in school. We expect you to aim for higher education, technical training or a job that will offer ongoing study and development. We expect all of our youth to seek to find jobs, to open their own businesses, to be artistic and creative. We expect them to use their musical talents, athletic abilities, or whatever their gifts to find opportunities to make their contribution.

We expect older adults to give you a chance to succeed by creating jobs for you. Even if you start off volunteering, we expect you to be the first hired because you gave of your time. Know your gifts and use those gifts. We expect you to find your place in our country.

As for surpassing expectations, you have to go beyond this:

1. You have to join together even now to discuss ideas for the future of the country.

2. You are to get those college grades that make you globally marketable.

3. If you have to miss the party to ace the test, you will do what it takes.

4. You will talk to professors and get extra help.

5. You will ask friends to help you if this is their area of strength.

6. You will be a worker of integrity on the job.

7. With the help of God, you are going to be the ones who are known to be punctual and ahead of time if need be.

8. You are the ones who will be conscientious, and determined to be promoted.

9. You will not be tempted to steal, cheat or lie, because of your high level of accountability to God Almighty.

10. If tempted, you will resist by the grace of God because your good name will mean more to you than money.

“20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. 21 Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. 22 They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. 23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. 24 Never say anything that isn’t true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. 25 Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don’t hang your head in shame. 26 Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. 27 Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.” (Prov. 4:20-27 GNT)

You will care about your fellow citizens, especially the youth. You will be the tutors and trained mentors of those who are struggling. You will be in the neighbourhood rallying others to keep the streets and yards clean. You will be members of the crime watch and the escort service to walk children home past abandoned buildings and other lonely bushy areas where predators could lurk.

You will take this nation forward, upward and onward together because you are called and destined for greatness. As you trust, obey and serve God, you will surpass your own expectations.