Bishop Tackie-Yarboi urges youth to stop insulting elders on social media
The Presiding Bishop of Victory Bible Churches International (VBCI), Rt. Rev. N.A. Tackie-Yarboi, has issued a stern warning to the youth of Ghana to cease the growing trend of insulting elders, public officials, and influential figures on social media.
Speaking on Sunday, June 16, 2024, during a Father’s Day sermon titled “The Lost Diamond of Honour” at Dominion Sanctuary in Awoshie, Bishop Tackie-Yarboi highlighted the worrying increase in disrespectful behavior among young people online.
Quoting Romans 12:10, which says, “Be kindly affectioned, one to another with brotherly love; in honour, preferring one another,” the bishop expressed deep concern over the phenomenon where young individuals, who have yet to fully experience life or make significant contributions to society, use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to hurl insults at senior citizens and accomplished members of the community.
He noted that often these attacks are politically motivated or stem from differing opinions.
“On social media, you see young people who have not achieved anything in life insulting people who have been there before they came,” Bishop Tackie-Yarboi said.
“Please, may you never be like that. Show honour to God, and show honour to your family members and those in authority.”
The erosion of honour in ghanaian society
In his Father’s Day message, Bishop Tackie-Yarboi lamented the erosion of the culture of honour in Ghana.
He reminisced about a time when the youth respected the elderly, subordinates respected their bosses, and wives respected their husbands.
He stressed the importance of honour in human relationships, saying, “Man is very important and the key by which you can get men is how you honour them. So do not forget, let honouring people be part of your life.
“Some people do not deserve honour, but don’t look at them. Target those who deserve honour. Don’t let anyone discourage you from honouring people, may God help us.”
The 7 keys of honour
Bishop Tackie-Yarboi outlined seven principles of honour during his sermon:
Action from Respect: Honour stems from respect, but respect only becomes honour when it is acted upon.
Demonstration of Respect: Honour is not true honour unless it visibly demonstrates respect.
Esteem and Worthiness: Honour involves recognizing and valuing someone’s worthiness.
Kingdom Honour: In the Kingdom of God, honour must be demonstrated by a gift.
Recognition of Identity: True honour is impossible without recognizing the true identity and worth of a person.
High Value: Honour is given when a high value is placed on the one being honoured.
Reciprocal Honour: Honour given will be returned; those who receive honour will honour those who honoured them.
