"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." -I Timothy 4:12 (NASB)
No matter how old we are, we may long for the "good old days" of our youth from time to time. Yet, we don't always stop to appreciate the youth presently in our midst. It can be easy to brush aside the ideas of a youthful person due to our perception of his or her inexperience, optimism, idealism, or blissful ignorance. We tend to think that age automatically brings wisdom for every situation we might face. Paul (I Timothy 4:12) wants us to rethink the "older is wiser" cycle of making decisions.
It's not that there is no value in age and experience. There are times that age and life experience result in wisdom that God uses to help us see consequences to different approaches and decisions. However, the fresh perspective, passion, and honesty that a youthful voice can contribute to the conversation shouldn't be overlooked.
In the verse from I Timothy (4:12), Paul is giving some advice to young Timothy. If you are a youthful person, take heed of Paul's advice. Don't be intimidated just because you are young. Do your best to be an example and an inspiration to those both older and younger than you. It's a lot of responsibility, but God can help you through it.
If you are no longer as youthful as you once were, Paul's words still have meaning for you. Take notice of the youth around you and their faith, love, and worship...even (especially) if it is different than yours. Talk to the youth, understand their passions for a closer relationship with Jesus that may re-ignite similar passions in you. Do not dismiss the ideas and feelings of the youth because of their age, but look to the examples and inspirations that they are striving to be throughout their lives.
Take time to embrace youth - yours or that of others around you. Use this youth to ignite a passion for God that sets an example beyond your life and your church and into the world as a witness for God.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the wisdom of experience and the joy and passion of youth. Help me to listen to those younger than me. Guide me in being an example through my speech, conduct, and faith. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
It's not that there is no value in age and experience. There are times that age and life experience result in wisdom that God uses to help us see consequences to different approaches and decisions. However, the fresh perspective, passion, and honesty that a youthful voice can contribute to the conversation shouldn't be overlooked.
In the verse from I Timothy (4:12), Paul is giving some advice to young Timothy. If you are a youthful person, take heed of Paul's advice. Don't be intimidated just because you are young. Do your best to be an example and an inspiration to those both older and younger than you. It's a lot of responsibility, but God can help you through it.
If you are no longer as youthful as you once were, Paul's words still have meaning for you. Take notice of the youth around you and their faith, love, and worship...even (especially) if it is different than yours. Talk to the youth, understand their passions for a closer relationship with Jesus that may re-ignite similar passions in you. Do not dismiss the ideas and feelings of the youth because of their age, but look to the examples and inspirations that they are striving to be throughout their lives.
Take time to embrace youth - yours or that of others around you. Use this youth to ignite a passion for God that sets an example beyond your life and your church and into the world as a witness for God.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the wisdom of experience and the joy and passion of youth. Help me to listen to those younger than me. Guide me in being an example through my speech, conduct, and faith. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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