In the pioneer days in America, the new settlers were surrounded by tribes of savage Indians. The words, “RUNNING THE GAUNTLET” were enough to make any man whiten at the lips, shoulder and at heart. In those days when the Indians had taken a white man captive, they did play with him as a cat plays with a mouse. The captive would be given a chance to live by running the gauntlet. Usually the captive was killed in the gauntlet, but sometimes, wounded and suffering, he made his escape.

The gauntlet was composed of two lines of Indian warriors, with a path between. The warriors were armed with clubs, tomahawks, and knives. Each did his best to strike down and kill the man who was running for his life. Down this narrow lane, between painted savages brandishing their weapons, lay the captive’s only hope of liberty. Terrible as it was, many a brave settler welcomed the chance, and ran that fearful gauntlet to liberty and life.

The life of a Christian youth in this world could be likened to the fate of the white settler, torn between pleasures of this life, powers of darkness and the call for one to hold on his or her personal integrity. Running away from youthful desires and remembering his or her Creator before the turn of dark and unpleasant days is a requirement scripture demands from the young person who has responded to Christ’s call to follow Him. This he or she is to fulfill as against the demands of the flesh and the world even though he or she lives in the world. It is an undeniable fact that our world has a gauntlet through which every youth must pass which is even more dreadful and dangerous than any Indian gauntlet ever was. It may seem unreal, but the truth is young people of our contemporary times are surrounded by evils of unbearable proportions. Modernization, Urbanization, Globalization, and Information Communication Technology discoveries, excessive love for money, sports, politics and self actualization are some of the ills aiming to strike down, enslave and ruin any soul and more so that of the youth for time and eternity.

Modernization and Globalization with their technological development are tools that are meant to enhance human well-being on earth. However, being a two edged sword, its devastating side makes these human advancement more of a curse than a blessing. As it were the youth are more inclined to the negative side of technological discoveries of our time especially that of ICT than the positive and profitable side. In spite of the seeming immenence of death, the white settlers made bold attempt at escaping and did run the gauntlet. Following the examples of the white settlers who would run the gauntlet to escape the cruel life that their captives put them in so that they could enjoy their freedom, we must also run the gauntlet of our time. They would run the gauntlet with the hope of escaping to enjoy a transient life here on earth. The Christian who has the promise of eternal life and freedom has no option than to flee for his or her life from the shackles of the flesh and the world if he or she is to merit the glorious kingdom of our King, Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What is required of the Christian youth of today is to give heed to Paul’s admonition of putting on the whole amour of God.

There is no known escape route other than running the gauntlet. Hence the good book says run the race, fight the good fight, finish your work and do the work of the evangelist. These are some indications that go to suggest that one has to take the bull by the horn and do the best that he or she can if one is to make the mark. The good news is that the strength and courage to go through have been provided by Christ the Lord, yours is to wholly give your all to him to make your path smooth with His ever-present spirit and radiance. In this case He enables the ardent believer to shun the company of those who try to make you doubt the divine authority of the Bible and teach that the Lord Jesus was only a good man and that there is more than one way of salvation.

You will also be so equipped to know right from wrong enabling you not to corrupt your mind through filthy conversation, books magazines, pictures and plays which are all weapons intended to strike you down. When you are truly saturated with the mind of Christ, you will be so filled with His love that there would be no place for covetousness which is another tool for destruction, but be freed to lead a victorious Christian life.

Christian friends, permit me to make my appeal to you on this issue as though Christ is knocking at the door of your hearts. Please note that the flesh and the world’s gauntlet is lined up to strike you and to ruin you. Satan will do everything within its power to hinder your relationship with Christ if you allow complacency to set in your walk with Him. Every effort would be made by the evil one to frustrate you from enjoying the life and liberty which lie beyond. Never lean or trust your own understanding and strength; they would not take you through this evil gauntlet unharmed. In the company and fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ as your dependable Rock, Saviour and Lord, you are a victor to pass through this world of temptation and enjoy the liberty of the children of God as well as eternal life, the crown of faithfulness and loyalty to the Triune God. ∞