One of the most popular teachings of the Sunday School, especially in the children's class, is the parable or story of the Prodigal Son. If one as much as attended Sunday service for an extended period there is a high probability one has heard this parable being explained before.
It is straightforward: A rich man has two children. One the, the younger one walked up to the father to demand for his inheritance. At first glance, it looks stupid of a child to demand for his inheritance when the father is still alive. From another perspective, it may not be that bad. He may be disillusioned with life around his family and, thus, wanting to move to a faraway place to establish himself with whatever he was given. He definitely believed in his ability to excel all by himself.
Without much ado, the understanding father gave him his inheritance and allowed him to leave. He could've denied his request and forced him to stay. But he will be playing a dangerous game by forcing a child against his will; that could make the child become intentionally reckless.
With his newly acquired wealth, the young man travelled far away from his family to have a life of his own. However, he fell into the hands of a common, persistent enemy called youthful exuberance. That was his biggest mistake; that was a common mistake.
The first time I heard a teaching about the Prodigal Son I was so annoyed with the imaginary guy that I felt like slapping some sense into his presumably 'empty' skull. But in another look, I found myself pitying him. Though he was demonized by religious teachers, he made the same mistake as most youths who come across wealth they were never really ready to handle. He forgot that nothing lasts forever.
Records have it that he lavished his wealth on food, wines, expensive clothing and harlots. These are also the things dominating the minds of young adults that found themselves in privileged positions they never mentally prepare for. Probably the only things not in there are fast cars and expensive jewelry like we have today.
How many youths out there have you seen come across an opportunity, make money off it, lavish the money only to find themselves in a position of want a few years later? They are numerous. The list is endless.
Our elders here have an adage, "Owó tí omodé bá kókó pa, àkàrà ni ó máa fi n rà." That's roughly translated as that the first set of money a child makes is lavished on bean cakes. And that's because bean cakes were one of the most desirable things back then. This adage only confirms how youthful exuberance is a demon we all have to tackle at some point of our lives.
Be wary of youthful exuberance. A lot of the people that fell to the trap of the demon are yet to rise again. Be wise.
