Every year on 16th May, the world observes the International Day of the Boy Child. It's a day set aside to highlight the unique needs, potential, and challenges of boys across the globe. Originally initiated in 2018 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh of Trinidad and Tobago, this day is not merely a calendar event; it is a clarion call to families, faith communities, educators, and policy makers to recognize the boy child as a vessel of hope, influence, and divine purpose.
For us as believers, I believe that this day presents an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual, emotional, and societal development of boys in light of God's Word. At a time when many Nigerian boys face the pull of peer pressure, substance abuse, cultism, internet fraud (yahoo-yahoo), and emotional neglect, the Church must rise to affirm and equip boys with the Word of God, wise mentorship, and godly vision.
This is another reason why in this article, we will explore the lives of five young boys in the Bible who were nurtured in godly principles and went on to fulfill remarkable destinies. These stories are not distant fairy tales they are blueprints of what is possible when the boy child is raised in alignment with God’s purpose. But before then, let's get to the purpose of the international day of the boy child and how it concerns us.
Why Celebrate the Boy Child Today?
In Nigeria, boys often receive less emotional support, fewer mental health checks, and far less positive societal attention than girls. Boys are frequently taught to "man up" without being taught how to process emotions, resist temptation, or develop character. From street hawkers to school dropouts, from boys being initiated into cults to those drowning in cybercrime, the plight of the Nigerian boy demands urgent Christian, spiritual intervention.
However, I believe, as the Bible teaches in Jeremiah 29:11, that “God has plans to prosper them and not to harm them, to give them a future and a hope.” But for these plans to materialize, we must disciple boys, not just discipline them.
Let the Boy Child Grow
Growth is a significant process in the life of a boy child, and in this state of life, their growth cannot be denied. A boy child is not too young for many things in life. He is not too young to know God or to lead. Greatness seeks every young boy.
Remember the little Samuel who the mum brought to the temple to serve in God's vain yard as her vow to the Lord.Remember the young David who defeated Goliath.Remember the youngest kings in the Bible, King Josiah who started ruling at the age of 8 and also King Mannasah at the age of 12 and King Uzziah at the age of 16.King Josiah reign was remarkable because as young as he is, he had a desire for God, that through him God could correct Judah's wrong religious practices.
I believe that fathers hav a great role to play as regarding the growth of the boy child, because they be the man they see. As a father, you are their mentor, role mother, teacher and best friend. They reflect you. You are the man they see and admire.Know their friends, teach them good morals, teach them to prioritize God. Teach them to make positive affirmations.They are in their most vulnerable stage of life, anything they learn stays with them, anything they hold they hold for life.They learn quickly. They learn from your actions. Your words matters to them. What they say is what they've heard, what they do is what they've seen you do. Speak what you will have them say, do what you will like them to learn from.They are curiousDon't turn down their curiosity, engage it, be honest with them. That curious is a powerful tool of greatness. They ask why for everything. It can be annoying, but answer you best way, you can turn the why to them to close they why, but don't stop them from being curious.Their mind is openEverything filter through, the learn from everything, they pay attention to details.They can be rudeTeach them to be polite, don't be mad at them. Take their criticism, help them know criticism is part of life and it something that will help grow.They are to be heard and understoodThe boy child is to be understood. He can be emotional, loving, caring, or even moody or cranky.Understand them and correct them in love.Don't be crushed when you correct them, do it with love, instruct them in love. They understand you love them.They can be temperamental, and still understood.Sometimes let them have their way, don't tie them to your ways.Teach them to be themselves and the best version they can be.Make them believe they're the best of their kind. It goes a long way in a boys child life.They can be naughty, but still loved.They can be emotional, but understood.They are smart, they are intelligent.They are creative.Let the boy child grow not just to be the man he sees, but the man in him. The one with whom he's limitless. You can take anything from them but don't take God and growth from them.Let the boy child grow
Now, let's return to our earlier position and esclusively see the lives of some young boys in scriptures.
Boys in the Bible Who Became Great Men of God
These young boys include:
1. Samuel
I like to call Samuel "the Boy Who Heard God. If you read through scriptures, you will discover that Samuel’s story began with a prayer. His mother, Hannah, vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord. True to her word, she left Samuel in the temple under the mentorship of Eli the priest.
Though Samuel was still a child, he was sensitive enough to God’s voice that he responded when the Lord called: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” in 1st Samuel 3:10. Samuel grew up to be a prophet and judge over Israel who was renowned for his integrity, wisdom, and connection with God. In the same way, boys must be made to grow up in the presence of God, and this means whether in church, home devotions, or spiritual mentorship. That way, such boy child is being positioned to hear God's voice in a noisy world.
2. David
David, the Shepherd boy who became King, was the youngest in his family, often overlooked even by his father. Yet, while tending sheep, he developed skills in music, warfare, and worship. It was in the fields that he learned to depend on God, killing lions and bears with his bare hands before facing Goliath.
We have a full article on our website here where Akinjobi Oluwagbemisola shares different lessons from the life of David, but importantly, and for the relevance of this article, let me remind you that David’s boldness to face Goliath as a teenage boy in 1st Samuel 17, and his deep worship life made him “a man after God’s heart.” He went on to become the greatest king in Israel’s history. For one, this shows that it is possible for a boy child to start from humble beginnings, whether on the farm, in the streets, or in one-room homes; but with a heart for God, they can grow to slay giants and lead nations.
3. Joseph
There's also Joseph, the dreamer who ruled Egypt. Joseph was only 17 when he had prophetic dreams of greatness. Though betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, he never lost his character or his vision. In Potiphar’s house and prison alike, Joseph remained diligent and god-fearing. Eventually, he was elevated to second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:41–43). In the same way today, many boys today have dreams, but no direction, but like Joseph, when they learn (or are taught) to hold on to God and maintain integrity in the midst of trials, they will ultimately rule in the place of their affliction.
4. Josiah
Next on our list is Josiah, the Boy who led a National Revival. Josiah became king of Judah at only eight years old as we see in 2nd Kings 22. Despite his youth, he led one of the greatest spiritual revivals in Israel’s history. When the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple, Josiah wept, repented, and led the nation to destroy idols and return to covenant faithfulness.
**Lesson for Today:** Leadership is not about age but obedience. A Nigerian boy in secondary school or university today, who chooses to honor God, can spark revival in his school, church, or community.
5. Jesus
I really thing that Our Lord and Saviour should be the first on this list, but since my editor thinks otherwise let's leave it and focus on Jesus, the boy who knew, and of course, still knows His Father’s business. Jesus, though fully divine, grew up experiencing normal boyhood. At just twelve years old, He stayed behind in the temple, astonishing scholars with His sound, and deep understanding of Scriptures as recorded in Luke 2:41–52. When His parents found Him, He said, “Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?”
Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” and if you ask me, He is our ultimate example of a boy growing into manhood under divine direction. Just like Jesus, every boy has the capacity to walk in wisdom, to grow in favour, and to live with purpose. But then, they need godly parenting, discipleship, and community.
How Christian Faith Shields Boys from Societal Vices.
In Nigeria today, boys face temptations and challenges that range from cultism, drug addiction, sexual immorality, and fraud, to emotional numbness and toxic masculinity. These vices thrive in the absence of direction, identity, and moral compass.
Here’s how biblical faith and intentional Christian parenting can rescue our boys:
1. Identity in Christ Over Peer Pressure
Boys who understand that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and “sons of God” (Romans 8:14) are less likely to be swayed by societal trends. Faith gives them a foundation of self-worth beyond materialism or street credibility.
2. Purpose that Outlives Popularity
Joseph did not sleep with Potiphar’s wife not because he feared man, but because he feared God (Genesis 39:9). Boys who understand they have a divine calling are more likely to say no to sin and yes to destiny.
3. Godly Mentors Over Toxic Masculinity
Samuel had Eli. David had Samuel. Timothy had Paul. Nigerian boys today need mentors who teach them not just how to make money, but how to make godly decisions. The local church must rise to be a center for mentorship, not just entertainment.
4. Scripture as a Weapon Against Vices
Just as Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation in Matthew 4, our boys must be taught to meditate on the Word of God. A boy who hides God’s Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11) has an anchor in storms.
5. The Holy Spirit as a Guide
Boys don’t just need good advice; they need the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit convicts, counsels, and empowers them to live above their weaknesses. Galatians 5:22–23 outlines the fruits that boys need today—love, self-control, gentleness, faithfulness.
What Can the Church and Parents Do?
If we want to raise Daniels, Davids, and Josephs in today’s Nigeria, then both the home and the Church must be intentional.
1, Begin Discipleship Early
Don't wait until boys are in crisis. Teach them to pray, study the Bible, and understand their identity in Christ from childhood.
2. Celebrate Godly Role Models
Stop only showcasing celebrities. Showcase missionaries, Christian entrepreneurs, gospel artists, and spirit-filled professionals that young boys can aspire to become.
3. Provide Safe Spaces
Boys also go through trauma, depression, and insecurity. Create environments where they can express emotions, ask questions, and receive counsel.
4. Encourage Kingdom Expression
Let boys serve—whether in music, media, ushering, tech, or evangelism. The more engaged they are in God’s work, the less room there is for vices.
A Call to Action: Raising the Next Generation of Godly Men
This International Day of the Boy Child 2025, let us look beyond events and hashtags. Let us recommit to raising boys who fear God, love people, and transform nations. Let us pray over our boys, speak life into them, mentor them, and walk with them through their questions and struggles. Let us affirm their identities as kings and priests (Revelation 1:6). Let us tell them they are not problems to be solved but promises to be fulfilled.
Conclusion
Boys are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the warriors of today. As we remember the Samuels, Josephs, Davids, and Josiahs, may we see every boy not for where he is, but for who he can become in Christ.
Let this be the generation that says no to fatherlessness, no to identity crisis, and yes to destiny. Let us raise kings. Let us raise prophets. Let us raise Daniels in Babylon and Josephs in Pharaoh’s palace.
Happy International Day of the Boy Child 2025!
Scripture References:
* 1 Samuel 3:1–10
* 1 Samuel 17
* Genesis 39–41
* 2 Kings 22
* Luke 2:41–52
* Psalm 119:11
* Galatians 5:22–23
* Romans 8:14
* Revelation 1:6
Post a Comment
Please drop a comment and use the Social Media Buttons below to share to friends and family.