As 2025 draws to a close, the world continues to celebrate talent, beauty, fame, influence, and intelligence. Social media is flooded with young people chasing followers, likes, and applause. But behind the filters and viral content lies a sobering truth: giftedness without character is dangerous.
The story of Absalom, son of King David, could easily feature in today’s headlines. Charismatic, handsome, and popular, he was the kind of figure we would call an “influencer”. Yet despite his promise, Absalom died in disgrace, undone by pride, rebellion, and unresolved bitterness.
Young people, hear this: you can be gifted, but without humility, obedience, and submission to God’s timing, your gift may destroy you.
Let the end of 2025 be a moment of reflection. Talent alone is not enough. Looks fade. Popularity is fleeting. What sustains a life is integrity, honour, and alignment with God’s purpose.
To the youth: don’t let your gifts become your grave. Choose godliness over gimmicks. Be teachable. Honour authority. In the Kingdom of God, it is not the most followed who endure *it is the most obedient*.
In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom turned hearts against his father. He manipulated public opinion, misrepresented his intentions, and staged a rebellion. Is not that what we see today? Young people dishonouring parents, scorning pastors, mocking teachers, and challenging leadership, not from a place of truth, but from ego, offence, and impatience.
Many are burning the very bridges God designed for their protection. Offended by correction, some isolate themselves or start toxic “movements” in schools, churches, or online, poisoning others with bitterness. Like Absalom, they believe their talent justifies their rebellion, forgetting that true promotion comes only from the Lord (Psalm 75:6–7).
Others reject wisdom, despise discipline, and live as though tomorrow is promised. They chase platforms without preparation, applause without anointing, influence without maturity. They crave the spotlight, but lack the foundation to sustain it.
So did Absalom, and it cost him everything.
He died suspended from a tree, abandoned by the same crowd he once impressed. His legacy is not of greatness, but of wasted potential. His story is a warning: if pride is your compass, destruction is your destination.
As we enter 2026, pause and ask yourself: Is your gift submitted to God, or is it slowly pulling you away from Him?
Let your answer shape your path forward.
