LAYING UP A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE
LAYING UP A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE
Anchor Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9–10
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
9. And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Introduction: Your Future Is Being Built Today
Young people often think about their future as something that will happen later—when they graduate, get a job, get married, make money, or become independent.
But the truth is:
Your future is being constructed by the decisions you are making today.
A building does not suddenly become strong when it reaches the roof. Its strength was determined by the quality of its foundation.
Likewise, the quality of your future will be greatly influenced by the foundation you lay in your youth.
Jabez gives us a powerful example. His beginning was painful. His name carried a negative meaning. His circumstances could have become an excuse for failure. Yet the Bible says:
“Jabez was more honourable than his brethren.”
His beginning did not determine his ending.
Never allow your background to become your destiny.
You may have come from a poor home, broken home, difficult environment, disadvantaged background, or experienced painful things. But what happened yesterday does not have to determine what God will do with your tomorrow.
Jabez changed the trajectory of his life by honour, prayer, faith and intentional pursuit of God.
1. BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION ON GOD
The first and most important foundation for your future is God Himself.
Jabez did not begin by saying, “I will make it by my intelligence.”
He called on the God of Israel.
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel…” — 1 Chronicles 4:10
Jesus said:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
— Matthew 6:33
Your greatest achievement should not be merely becoming successful; it should be becoming successful with God.
You can have money and lose your soul.
You can have influence and lose your character.
You can become famous and become spiritually empty.
You can achieve your ambition and still miss God's purpose.
Therefore:
Know God personally.
Give your life to Christ.
Develop a prayer life.
Study the Word.
Walk in obedience.
Attend Christian fellowship.
Learn to hear and obey God.
Jesus said:
“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them… I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”
— Matthew 7:24
A successful future without God is not true success.
2. DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
Jabez had a name associated with sorrow, but he refused to allow his label to become his identity.
Young people must understand this:
People may describe you by your past, but God defines you by His purpose.
The Bible says:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Do not build your identity around:
What people say about you.
Your mistakes.
Your failures.
Your family background.
Your appearance.
Your social-media popularity.
Your possessions.
Your relationship status.
Your primary identity must be found in Christ.
Tell the young people:
“You are not what happened to you. You are not what people called you. You are who God says you are.”
3. BUILD A STRONG CHARACTER
The Bible deliberately tells us:
“Jabez was more honourable than his brethren.”
Before the Bible tells us about the enlargement of his coast, it tells us about his character.
This is extremely important.
Many young people want:
greatness without character,
money without discipline,
influence without integrity,
leadership without responsibility,
success without sacrifice.
But character is the foundation upon which lasting success stands.
Proverbs 22:1 says:
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
Build:
Integrity
Honesty
Discipline
Humility
Faithfulness
Respect
Self-control
Responsibility
Reliability
Remember:
Your gift can take you somewhere, but your character determines whether you can remain there.
4. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU CHOOSE AS FRIENDS
Your friends are helping to construct your future—whether you realize it or not.
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33
Proverbs 13:20 says:
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Ask yourself:
Who am I becoming because of the people around me?
If your friends constantly encourage:
immorality,
drunkenness,
drugs,
crime,
laziness,
disrespect,
ungodly relationships,
foolishness,
you are laying a dangerous foundation.
Choose friends who challenge you to become better.
Don't choose friends merely because they are entertaining. Choose people who are helping you become who God wants you to be.
5. TAKE YOUR EDUCATION SERIOUSLY
Spirituality is not an excuse for intellectual laziness.
Daniel was spiritually strong and intellectually excellent.
Daniel 1:17 says:
“God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.”
Proverbs 18:15 says:
“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
Young people should develop a learning mentality.
Read.
Study.
Ask questions.
Learn skills.
Develop competence.
Improve yourself.
Don't only seek certificates. Seek knowledge, understanding and useful skills.
The world rewards people who can solve problems.
Tell them:
“Don't prepare only to look for jobs. Prepare yourself to become a solution.”
6. DEVELOP A SKILL
The Bible says:
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
— Proverbs 22:29
There is something powerful about competence.
A young person who develops valuable skills has increased his capacity to create opportunities.
Learn something useful:
Technology
Coding
Graphics
Photography
Video production
Agriculture
Fashion
Carpentry
Electrical work
Plumbing
Catering
Public speaking
Writing
Digital marketing
Entrepreneurship
Any legitimate vocational or professional skill
Don't despise skill because you are waiting for a miracle.
God can bless the work of your hands.
“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands…”
— Psalm 90:17
7. LEARN THE POWER OF DILIGENCE
One of the greatest enemies of a young person's future is laziness.
Proverbs 10:4:
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
Dreams are good.
Prayer is good.
Prophecy is good.
Vision is good.
But discipline and work are necessary.
Don't spend all day scrolling through social media while expecting God to give you extraordinary results.
Learn to work.
Wake up.
Study.
Practice.
Build.
Create.
Serve.
Improve.
Try again.
Prayer should not replace preparation; prayer should empower preparation.
8. MASTER YOUR TIME
Youth is a season that cannot be recovered.
Paul said:
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:16
You can recover money.
You can recover possessions.
You can recover opportunities.
But you cannot recover yesterday.
Be intentional about your time.
Ask yourself every evening:
“What did I do today that will make my tomorrow better?”
If you waste five hours every day for ten years, you have surrendered thousands of hours of your future.
Don't merely ask:
“What do I enjoy?”
Ask:
“What is worth my time?”
9. CONTROL YOUR SEXUAL LIFE
This is one area young people desperately need biblical wisdom.
Your body is not designed for careless sexual experimentation.
Paul says:
“Flee fornication.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:18
And:
“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19
Sexual immorality can affect:
Spiritual life
Emotional stability
Relationships
Reputation
Education
Finances
Future marriage
Physical health
Purpose
Joseph gives us a powerful example. When temptation came, he ran.
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
— Genesis 39:9
Sometimes holiness requires you to leave.
Don't negotiate with temptation.
Run from what can destroy what you are building.
10. BE CAREFUL WITH ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Not every person who says “I love you” is qualified to walk into your future.
Some relationships are foundations.
Others are distractions.
Some relationships bring you closer to God.
Others gradually pull you away.
Amos 3:3 asks:
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
Before entering a serious relationship, consider:
Character
Faith
Purpose
Values
Emotional maturity
Responsibility
Spiritual direction
Don't marry merely because you are lonely.
Don't enter relationships simply because everyone around you has one.
A relationship should not destroy the future you are trying to build.
11. LEARN FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
Money is not everything, but financial irresponsibility can damage many areas of life.
Jesus spoke about stewardship repeatedly.
Luke 16:10 says:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
Learn:
Saving
Budgeting
Investing wisely
Avoiding unnecessary debt
Avoiding waste
Developing income-producing skills
Giving
Responsible spending
Don't spend everything you receive simply to impress people.
Remember:
You don't have to prove that you have money by spending money.
Learn to build before you display.
12. DON'T LIVE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA VALIDATION
Many young people are unconsciously building their lives around likes, followers, comments and approval.
But:
Likes are not identity.
Followers are not destiny.
Views are not value.
Popularity is not purpose.
Galatians 1:10 says:
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?”
Don't destroy your real life trying to impress people who only know your online image.
Build a life that is valuable even when nobody is watching.
13. DEVELOP THE RIGHT MENTORS
You need people ahead of you.
Paul told Timothy:
“The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men…”
— 2 Timothy 2:2
Find people who have:
Character
Experience
Wisdom
Spiritual maturity
Proven results
Learn from them.
Ask questions.
Observe them.
Receive correction.
Don't think you know everything because you have access to the internet.
Information is everywhere; wisdom still requires people who have walked the road.
14. LEARN TO RECEIVE CORRECTION
Proverbs 12:1 says:
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
One of the most dangerous statements a young person can make is:
“Nobody can tell me anything.”
If nobody can correct you, you are in danger.
Correction is not always rejection.
Sometimes correction is protection.
A wise person asks:
“What can I learn from this?”
15. LEARN FROM FAILURE WITHOUT BECOMING A FAILURE
Jabez had a difficult beginning.
But he did not allow his beginning to become his conclusion.
You may fail an examination.
You may lose an opportunity.
You may make a wrong decision.
You may fall into sin.
You may experience disappointment.
But failure is not necessarily the end.
Micah 7:8 says:
“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise…”
Fall seven times—rise again.
Learn.
Repent where necessary.
Correct the mistake.
Move forward.
Don't turn one bad chapter into the title of your entire life.
16. DEVELOP A VISION FOR YOUR LIFE
Proverbs 29:18 says:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
Ask:
Where am I going?
What kind of Christian do I want to become?
What kind of professional do I want to become?
What kind of spouse and parent do I want to become?
What problem do I want to solve?
What contribution do I want to make?
What has God placed inside me?
Don't simply drift through life.
Have a God-centred vision.
17. DISCOVER AND DEVELOP YOUR GIFTS
God has deposited something in you.
Paul told Timothy:
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee…”
— 1 Timothy 4:14
Don't bury your gift.
If you can sing—develop it.
If you can teach—develop it.
If you can lead—develop it.
If you can write—develop it.
If you can design—develop it.
If you can communicate—develop it.
If you can create—develop it.
Your gift is a seed.
A seed must be developed before it becomes a harvest.
18. BUILD A GOOD NAME
Proverbs 22:1 says:
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
Your reputation is part of your capital.
Be known as:
truthful.
faithful.
punctual.
responsible.
respectful.
competent.
trustworthy.
God-fearing.
Don't destroy ten years of trust for ten minutes of pleasure.
19. LEARN TO SAY “NO”
A successful future requires many NOs.
No to:
Bad friends.
Wrong relationships.
Drugs.
Sexual immorality.
Laziness.
Criminality.
Peer pressure.
Unnecessary spending.
Destructive entertainment.
Anything that compromises your convictions.
Jesus said:
“Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay…”
— Matthew 5:37
If you cannot say NO, someone else will determine your future for you.
20. PRAY LIKE JABEZ
This brings us back to our text.
Jabez prayed:
“Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed…”
He recognized that ultimately, God is the source of true blessing.
Then:
“…enlarge my coast…”
He asked God for increase and greater capacity.
Then:
“…that thine hand might be with me…”
He wanted God's presence and guidance.
Then:
“…that thou wouldest keep me from evil…”
He understood that success without protection can become destruction.
Finally:
“And God granted him that which he requested.”
What a powerful conclusion!
FOUR THINGS JABEZ TEACHES EVERY YOUNG PERSON
1. ASK GOD TO BLESS YOU
Not merely with money, but with wisdom, character, health, opportunity, relationships, favour and usefulness.
2. ASK GOD TO ENLARGE YOU
Increase your capacity.
Increase your knowledge.
Increase your influence.
Increase your usefulness.
3. ASK GOD TO KEEP HIS HAND UPON YOU
Success without God's hand can become dangerous.
4. ASK GOD TO KEEP YOU FROM EVIL
Don't only pray:
“Lord, give me more.”
Also pray:
“Lord, keep me from what can destroy what You give me.”
A STRIKING WORD TO THE YOUTHS
Your youth is not a waiting room for your future.
It is the construction site of your future.
What you do with your:
mind today,
body today,
time today,
friends today,
education today,
money today,
character today,
spiritual life today,
choices today,
will have consequences tomorrow.
Don't mortgage your future for temporary pleasure.
Don't exchange destiny for popularity.
Don't exchange purpose for peer pressure.
Don't exchange holiness for momentary pleasure.
Don't exchange discipline for laziness.
Don't exchange wisdom for entertainment.
Don't exchange your calling for acceptance.
You have only one life. Build it deliberately.
THE FOUNDATION FORMULA
Give the youths this simple formula:
GOD + CHARACTER + KNOWLEDGE + SKILL + DISCIPLINE + RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS + HARD WORK + WISDOM + PRAYER = A STRONG FOUNDATION
And above all:
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11
Your education is important.
Your career is important.
Your finances are important.
Your marriage is important.
Your relationships are important.
Your health is important.
Your dreams are important.
But Jesus Christ must remain the foundation beneath everything.
FINAL CHARGE
Young people, don't merely pray for a great future—prepare for one.
Don't merely say, “I want to succeed.”
Ask:
“What kind of person must I become to carry the success I am praying for?”
Jabez was more honourable.
Then he prayed.
Then God enlarged him.
Build before you become visible.
Prepare before opportunity comes.
Develop character before influence comes.
Develop skill before promotion comes.
Know God before success comes.
Because when the foundation is right, the structure can stand.
And may your testimony be:
“I refused to allow my past to determine my future. I built my life upon Christ, walked in wisdom, developed my gifts, guarded my character, and trusted God—and by His grace, I became what He destined me to become.”
Key Scriptures for the message
1 Chronicles 4:9–10; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 7:24–25; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Proverbs 22:1, 29; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 29:18; Psalm 90:12,17; Ecclesiastes 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 4:12–16; Galatians 6:7–9; Ephesians 5:15–16; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
LAYING UP A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE
Lessons from Esau — Genesis 25:33–34
“And he sold his birthright unto Jacob… Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
— Genesis 25:33–34
INTRODUCTION: YOUR FUTURE CAN BE DESTROYED BY A PRESENT DECISION
One of the most sobering lessons for young people in Scripture is found in the story of Esau.
Esau was not poor.
Esau was not without potential.
Esau was not without inheritance.
Esau was not without opportunity.
He had a birthright.
But he exchanged something valuable and lasting for something temporary and immediately satisfying.
He exchanged his birthright for a meal.
That is the danger many young people face today.
A person can destroy tomorrow by making an unwise decision today.
The great question is not only:
“What do I want now?”
but:
“What will this decision do to my future?”
1. KNOW THE VALUE OF WHAT GOD HAS PLACED IN YOUR HAND
Esau's greatest problem was not merely hunger.
The Bible says:
“Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
He failed to properly value what he possessed.
Young people must learn to recognize the value of:
Their salvation
Their youth
Their education
Their body
Their virginity and sexual purity
Their family
Their reputation
Their gifts
Their time
Their opportunities
Their relationships
Their spiritual inheritance
Their future
Never despise what you will later wish you had protected.
Some things, once lost, are difficult or impossible to recover.
Your youth is valuable.
Your purity is valuable.
Your good name is valuable.
Your time is valuable.
Your relationship with God is valuable.
Don't wait until you lose something before you discover its value.
2. DON'T SACRIFICE YOUR FUTURE FOR TEMPORARY PLEASURE
This is perhaps the central lesson from Esau.
He wanted something now and sacrificed something greater that belonged to his future.
Hebrews 12:16 describes him as:
“Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.”
Think about that:
One morsel.
Something temporary.
Something that would satisfy him for only a short time.
Yet he exchanged it for something of enormous significance.
Young people make similar exchanges today:
A few minutes of sexual pleasure → years of consequences.
A few minutes of drug-induced excitement → damaged health and destiny.
A few hours of partying → neglected education and opportunities.
Quick money → damaged integrity and reputation.
Peer acceptance → compromised convictions.
Social-media attention → loss of privacy, dignity and focus.
Tell them:
“Never exchange what is permanent for what is temporary.”
3. LEARN TO DELAY GRATIFICATION
One of the greatest foundations for success is the ability to say:
“I can wait.”
Esau could not wait.
He was hungry now.
He wanted satisfaction now.
And he made a decision based on the pressure of the moment.
But successful people learn to postpone certain pleasures in order to obtain greater rewards later.
Paul said:
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:25
Learn to say:
“I will study now so I can enjoy greater opportunities later.”
“I will save now so I can build later.”
“I will discipline myself now so I can have greater freedom later.”
“I will remain sexually pure now so I can protect my future marriage and honour God.”
“I will pray and develop myself now so I can become useful to God later.”
The mature person asks:
“What is best?”
not merely:
“What feels good?”
4. DON'T MAKE MAJOR DECISIONS WHEN YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY COMPROMISED
Esau was hungry.
His physical appetite influenced his judgment.
This is a powerful lesson.
When you are:
angry,
desperate,
lonely,
sexually aroused,
depressed,
excessively excited,
under peer pressure,
financially desperate,
you may make decisions you will regret later.
Proverbs 14:29 says:
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
Never allow a temporary emotional condition to make a permanent decision.
Before making important decisions, pause, pray, think, seek counsel and consider the consequences.
5. CONTROL YOUR APPETITES
Esau's appetite controlled his judgment.
This applies far beyond food.
Human beings have many appetites:
Sexual appetite
Appetite for money
Appetite for pleasure
Appetite for recognition
Appetite for popularity
Appetite for entertainment
Appetite for alcohol and substances
Appetite for material possessions
An appetite is not necessarily evil simply because it exists.
But:
When an appetite becomes your master, it can become your destroyer.
Paul said:
“I will not be brought under the power of any.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:12
Don't allow your desires to become your master.
You must learn to tell yourself NO.
6. YOUR BODY IS NOT YOUR MASTER
The world says:
“If you feel it, do it.”
Scripture teaches something different.
“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19
Your body belongs to God.
Therefore, don't use your body to destroy your future.
Flee:
Sexual immorality
Pornography
Drug abuse
Drunkenness
Self-destructive habits
Paul's instruction is remarkably direct:
“Flee fornication.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:18
He didn't say negotiate with it.
He didn't say experiment with it.
He said:
FLEE.
7. DON'T ALLOW PEER PRESSURE TO DECIDE YOUR FUTURE
Many young people sacrifice their future because they want to belong.
Someone says:
“Everybody is doing it.”
But everybody is not going to face your consequences.
Exodus 23:2 says:
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.”
You don't have to do something because your friends are doing it.
You don't have to drink because they drink.
You don't have to smoke because they smoke.
You don't have to sleep around because they do.
You don't have to cheat because others cheat.
You don't have to join criminal activities because someone tells you it is profitable.
Have convictions.
Learn to say:
“No. That is not who I am.”
8. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY
Your friends can either strengthen your foundation or weaken it.
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
— Proverbs 13:20
Ask yourself:
“Where are my friends taking me?”
Not:
“Do I enjoy being with them?”
but:
“What am I becoming because I walk with them?”
Good friends will challenge you toward:
God
Excellence
Discipline
Education
Purpose
Integrity
Responsibility
Bad friends can normalize:
Sin
Laziness
Crime
Immorality
Substance abuse
Disrespect
Failure
Don't let the wrong company write the story of your future.
9. TAKE EDUCATION SERIOUSLY
Young people must understand that education is part of laying a foundation.
Proverbs 18:15 says:
“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
Don't despise learning.
Study your books.
Ask questions.
Read widely.
Develop your thinking.
Learn communication.
Learn technology.
Learn useful skills.
Become competent.
Daniel and his companions were described as having:
“knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.”
— Daniel 1:17
Spirituality should not make you intellectually lazy.
You can be prayerful and educated.
You can be spiritual and skillful.
You can love God and pursue excellence.
10. DEVELOP A SKILL
The world needs people who can solve problems.
Proverbs 22:29 says:
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings…”
Develop something valuable.
Learn a trade.
Learn technology.
Learn communication.
Learn entrepreneurship.
Learn creative skills.
Learn professional skills.
Don't merely pray:
“Lord, give me money.”
Pray:
“Lord, make me useful.”
When you become useful, opportunities can find you.
11. DON'T BE LAZY
Proverbs 6:6–8 tells us to learn from the ant.
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
Laziness is a terrible foundation for the future.
Don't spend your youth sleeping, playing, scrolling and complaining.
There is a time for recreation.
But there must also be a time for preparation.
While others are wasting their opportunities, prepare yourself.
Study.
Practice.
Build.
Create.
Serve.
Learn.
Work.
Improve.
12. MASTER YOUR TIME
Paul says:
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:16
Time is one of the greatest treasures given to a young person.
Money lost can sometimes be recovered.
Opportunities lost can sometimes return.
But yesterday never returns.
Therefore, ask yourself:
“What am I doing with my time?”
How much time goes into:
Prayer?
Study?
Skill development?
Reading?
Exercise?
Productive work?
Meaningful relationships?
And how much goes into endless entertainment?
Don't spend your youth preparing to regret your youth.
13. BUILD YOUR FINANCIAL FOUNDATION EARLY
Young people need financial wisdom.
Proverbs 21:20 says:
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
Learn to:
Save.
Budget.
Avoid waste.
Work honestly.
Invest wisely.
Develop income-producing skills.
Give to God.
Distinguish between needs and wants.
Don't spend your money merely to impress people.
You don't need to look rich while becoming poor.
14. PROTECT YOUR GOOD NAME
Proverbs 22:1 says:
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
Your reputation matters.
You may lose money and recover it.
But when trust is destroyed, rebuilding it can take years.
Therefore:
Keep your word.
Be truthful.
Be responsible.
Be punctual.
Be trustworthy.
Respect people.
Keep your commitments.
Never exchange your good name for temporary gain.
15. DON'T CHEAT YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS
A foundation built on deception will eventually crack.
Proverbs 10:9:
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
Don't cheat in examinations.
Don't falsify documents.
Don't steal.
Don't defraud people.
Don't build your career through corruption.
Don't become wealthy through wickedness.
You don't need to compromise your integrity to succeed.
16. CHOOSE YOUR CAREER WITH WISDOM
Don't choose a career merely because:
Your friends chose it.
It is fashionable.
Someone said it makes money.
Your parents pressured you.
You want quick success.
Consider:
What am I gifted for?
What am I passionate about?
What problems can I solve?
What skills can I develop?
Where can I make a meaningful contribution?
And most importantly:
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:6
Invite God into your decisions.
17. PREPARE FOR MARRIAGE BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT WEDDING
A wedding can happen in one day.
A successful marriage requires a lifetime of maturity.
Therefore, don't only prepare to find a spouse.
Prepare to be a good spouse.
Develop:
Character
Emotional maturity
Financial responsibility
Communication
Faithfulness
Patience
Responsibility
Spiritual maturity
Don't allow temporary relationships to damage your capacity for a healthy future marriage.
18. DEVELOP SELF-CONTROL
Self-control is a major foundation of greatness.
Galatians 5:22–23 lists temperance/self-control among the fruit of the Spirit.
You must learn to control:
Your tongue
Your temper
Your appetites
Your sexuality
Your spending
Your emotions
Your reactions
Your time
If you cannot control yourself, you will struggle to control your future.
19. DON'T DESPISE SMALL BEGINNINGS
Some young people become discouraged because they are not yet where they want to be.
Zechariah 4:10 says:
“For who hath despised the day of small things?”
Start small.
Read one book.
Learn one skill.
Save a little.
Build one project.
Serve faithfully.
Practice consistently.
Develop gradually.
Great futures are often built through small, faithful decisions.
20. HAVE A LONG-TERM MINDSET
Esau thought about today.
Wisdom thinks about tomorrow.
Before making a decision, ask:
“If I continue doing this for five years, where will it take me?”
If you waste your time for five years, where will you be?
If you study for five years, where might you be?
If you develop a skill for five years, where might you be?
If you pray and study God's Word consistently for five years, who might you become?
If you save and invest wisely for five years, what could change?
Your daily habits are votes for the person you are becoming.
21. DON'T DESPISE YOUR SPIRITUAL BIRTHRIGHT
There is something even deeper in Esau's story.
He despised his birthright.
As believers, we must never despise our spiritual inheritance in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 says:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
Don't exchange your relationship with God for temporary pleasure.
Don't exchange eternity for temporary excitement.
Don't exchange holiness for popularity.
Don't exchange your calling for acceptance.
Don't exchange your spiritual inheritance for the “pottage” of this world.
The world may offer you a bowl of pottage, but God has prepared an inheritance.
22. LEARN TO THINK BEYOND TODAY
Esau's tragedy was not that he was hungry.
His tragedy was that his present appetite became more important than his future inheritance.
That is the question every young person should ask:
“What am I doing today that my future self will thank me for?”
And also:
“What am I doing today that my future self may regret?”
This is wisdom.
23. BUILD YOUR LIFE ON CHRIST
Ultimately, the greatest foundation is Jesus Christ.
Paul declares:
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11
Education is important.
Career is important.
Money is important.
Marriage is important.
Skills are important.
Relationships are important.
But Christ must be the foundation underneath all of them.
Jesus said:
“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them… is like a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”
— Matthew 7:24
A POWERFUL MESSAGE TO THE YOUTHS
DON'T SELL YOUR BIRTHRIGHT FOR POTTAGE!
Your birthright may represent:
Your future.
Your calling.
Your purity.
Your education.
Your gifts.
Your good name.
Your health.
Your relationship with God.
Your opportunities.
Your destiny.
Your potential.
Your inheritance.
And your pottage may be:
Temporary pleasure.
Peer pressure.
Sexual immorality.
Drugs.
Alcohol.
Laziness.
Popularity.
Quick money.
Bad relationships.
Internet addiction.
Uncontrolled appetite.
Shortcuts.
Ask yourself:
“Is this thing worth what I am about to sacrifice?”
Before you enter a relationship:
Is it worth my future?
Before you commit sexual immorality:
Is it worth my purity?
Before you cheat:
Is it worth my integrity?
Before you take drugs:
Is it worth my health?
Before you follow bad friends:
Is it worth my destiny?
Before you abandon God:
Is it worth my soul?
FINAL CHARGE: BUILD NOW!
Young people, your future is too valuable to be traded cheaply.
You are carrying something that must be protected.
You may not see everything that God has prepared for you yet, but that does not mean there is nothing valuable ahead of you.
Therefore:
Protect your faith.
Protect your character.
Protect your body.
Protect your mind.
Protect your time.
Protect your relationships.
Protect your education.
Protect your gifts.
Protect your good name.
Protect your future.
And above all:
PROTECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
Because there will always be a “pottage” somewhere trying to make you exchange something eternal for something temporary.
Don't sell what God has given you for what the world is offering you today.
“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36
DECLARATION FOR THE YOUTHS
“I will not sell my future for temporary pleasure. I will not despise my birthright. I will walk with God, guard my character, discipline my appetites, choose my friends wisely, pursue knowledge, develop my gifts, manage my time, honour my body, work diligently, and make wise decisions. I will not sacrifice tomorrow on the altar of today. By the grace of God, I will lay a strong foundation and become all that God has ordained me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.”
LAYING UP A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE
A Summary of the Key Points
Anchor Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9–10
1. Your Future Is Being Built Today
Your future is shaped by the decisions you make now.
Youth is not a waiting room for the future; it is the construction site of the future.
Your background does not have to determine your destiny.
Like Jabez, you can change the direction of your life through honour, faith, prayer and intentional choices.
2. Build Your Foundation on God
God must be the first and strongest foundation of your life.
Know God personally, accept Christ, pray, study Scripture and obey God.
Success without God can leave a person spiritually empty.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation — 1 Corinthians 3:11.
3. Discover Your Identity in Christ
Do not allow your past, mistakes, family background or people's opinions to define you.
In Christ, you are a new creation.
Your identity should be based on what God says about you, not social approval.
4. Build Strong Character
Develop:
Integrity
Honesty
Discipline
Humility
Faithfulness
Respect
Self-control
Responsibility
Your gift may take you somewhere, but your character determines whether you can remain there.
5. Choose Your Friends Wisely
Your friends influence the person you are becoming.
Walk with wise people and avoid relationships that encourage immorality, drugs, crime, laziness or foolishness.
Choose friends who help you become what God wants you to become.
6. Take Education Seriously
Spirituality is not an excuse for intellectual laziness.
Read, study, ask questions and seek knowledge.
Don't pursue certificates alone; develop understanding, competence and problem-solving ability.
Prepare not only to find a job but to become a solution.
7. Develop Valuable Skills
Build practical and professional competence.
Examples include technology, coding, graphics, photography, writing, agriculture, fashion, electrical work, public speaking, digital marketing and entrepreneurship.
Don't wait for miracles while neglecting the work of your hands.
8. Develop Diligence
Dreams, prayer and vision must be accompanied by disciplined action.
Reject laziness and procrastination.
Study, practise, create, build, serve and keep improving.
Prayer should empower preparation, not replace it.
9. Master Your Time
Time is one resource you cannot recover.
Use your youth intentionally.
Regularly ask: “What am I doing today that will make my tomorrow better?”
Redeem your time instead of wasting it on distractions.
10. Guard Your Sexual Purity
Treat your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Flee sexual immorality rather than negotiating with temptation.
Sexual choices can affect your spiritual life, emotions, relationships, reputation, education, finances and future.
Learn from Joseph: sometimes the right response to temptation is to run.
11. Be Wise no Romantic Relationships
Not every relationship belongs in your future.
Examine character, faith, values, purpose, maturity and responsibility.
Don't enter relationships merely because you are lonely or pressured.
A relationship should help build your future, not destroy it.
12. Develop Financial Discipline
Learn to:
Save
Budget
Spend responsibly
Avoid unnecessary debt
Invest wisely
Develop income-producing skills
Give
Build before you display. Don't spend simply to impress people.
13. Don't Live for Social-Media Validation
Likes are not identity.
Followers are not destiny.
Views are not value.
Popularity is not purpose.
Build a valuable life even when nobody is watching.
14. Find Good Mentors
Learn from people who possess character, wisdom, experience and proven results.
Ask questions, observe, learn and receive guidance.
Internet information is abundant, but wisdom often comes through people who have walked the road before you.
15. Receive Correction
Don't develop the attitude: “Nobody can tell me anything.”
Correction can be protection.
A wise person asks, “What can I learn from this?”
16. Learn From Failure
Failure is an event, not your identity.
You may fall, make mistakes or experience disappointment, but you can rise again.
Learn, repent where necessary, correct your mistakes and move forward.
Don't turn one bad chapter into the title of your entire life.
17. Develop a God-Centred Vision
Ask yourself:
Where am I going?
Who am I becoming?
What problem am I called to solve?
What contribution can I make?
What has God placed inside me?
Don't simply drift through life; live intentionally.
18. Discover and Develop Your Gifts
God has deposited gifts and abilities in you.
Don't bury them.
Develop your ability to sing, teach, lead, write, design, communicate, create or serve.
A gift is a seed; development turns the seed into a harvest.
19. Build a Good Name
Reputation is valuable.
Be known as truthful, faithful, punctual, responsible, respectful, competent, trustworthy and God-fearing.
Don't destroy years of trust for minutes of pleasure.
20. Learn to Say “NO”
Say no to:
Bad friends
Wrong relationships
Drugs
Sexual immorality
Laziness
Criminality
Peer pressure
Wasteful spending
Destructive entertainment
Anything that compromises your convictions
If you cannot say no, someone else may determine your future for you.
21. PRAY LIKE JABEZ
Jabez's prayer contains four powerful requests:
1. “Bless me indeed.”
Ask God for wisdom, character, favour, health, opportunities, relationships and usefulness—not merely money.
2. “Enlarge my coast.”
Ask God to increase your capacity, knowledge, influence and usefulness.
3. “Let Your hand be with me.”
Seek God's presence, guidance and direction in your life.
4. “Keep me from evil.”
Don't only ask God for more; ask Him to protect you from anything that could destroy what He gives you.
And God granted his request.
THE CENTRAL MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Your mind, body, time, friends, education, money, character, spiritual life and choices today are helping to construct your tomorrow.
Therefore:
Don't mortgage your future for temporary pleasure.
Don't exchange destiny for popularity.
Don't exchange purpose for peer pressure.
Don't exchange holiness for momentary pleasure.
Don't exchange discipline for laziness.
Don't exchange wisdom for entertainment.
Don't exchange your calling for acceptance.
THE FOUNDATION FORMULA
GOD + CHARACTER + KNOWLEDGE + SKILL + DISCIPLINE + RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS + HARD WORK + WISDOM + PRAYER = A STRONG FOUNDATION
And above everything:
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11
FINAL CHARGE
Don't merely pray for a great future—prepare for one.
Instead of only asking, “What do I want to achieve?”, ask:
“What kind of person must I become to carry the success I am praying for?”
Jabez was honourable, then he prayed, and God enlarged him.
Therefore:
Build before you become visible.
Prepare before opportunity comes.
Develop character before influence comes.
Develop skill before promotion comes.
Know God before success comes.
The ultimate lesson:
When the foundation is right, the structure can stand.
