Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), marked his 83rd birthday on March 2, 2025.
The occasion was commemorated with reflections on his legacy, tributes from prominent figures, and impactful community initiatives that underscored his influence and dedication to societal transformation.
Speaking at the RCCG’s monthly thanksgiving service in Lagos, Pastor Adeboye emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
Referencing Isaiah 3:10, he stated, “Life consists of three phases: the past, the present, and the future. Of these, tomorrow holds the greatest significance. The end of a thing is better than its beginning.”
“The past is the mother of today. The present has the DNA of the past. You’re who you are today because of certain decisions you took in the past.”
“You are a medical doctor today because you chose to go to a medical school in the past. The decisions you take today will invariably affect your tomorrow,” he remarked.
Highlighting the significance of the future, Adeboye added, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. It is how you end that matters. The Almighty God has the ability to guarantee your future. He can make sure that your tomorrow is great.”
He urged congregants to recognize the weight of their present choices, stressing that actions taken today inevitably shape the future.
His message underscored the need for intentional decision-making, particularly in matters of faith, character, and personal growth.
Pastor Adeboye shared key principles for securing a brighter tomorrow, offering practical guidance for individuals at different stages of life:
Raising Children with Purpose: He stressed the importance of instilling discipline and strong values in children, warning that a lack of proper guidance could lead to undesirable consequences.
“Train your children because they are your tomorrow. The Yorubas say a child you don’t train will sell the house you are building.”
“God vouched for Abraham because He knew Abraham would train his children in the way of the Lord,” he said. “Don’t allow your children to do whatever they like. If you allow them, you are ruining your future. Be firm when it comes to your children serving the Lord.”
To children, Pastor Adeboye gave a strong reminder: “You’re not only to obey your parents; you are to honour them. It is by honouring your parents that you will live long. If you think you know more than your parents, you may never live long.”
Respect and Obedience: Addressing young people, he highlighted the biblical command to honor and obey parents, linking this virtue to longevity and success.
Hard Work and Generosity: He emphasized the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging diligence, perseverance, and acts of kindness.
According to him, humility and total submission to God are essential ingredients for long-term success and fulfillment.
“Learn to sow. It is what you sow in the present that will be your harvest in the future. Also, be diligent. God is a rewarder of those who are diligent,” he counselled.
On humility, Adeboye said, “Pride is a killer. God resists the proud. You can’t have a future if God is constantly resisting you.
“Submit to God, and He will make sure no one tampers with your destiny.”
