1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the
believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
After high school, Darrell Blizzard left the orphanage
where he grew up to join the US Army Air Corps. World War II was in full swing,
and soon he faced responsibilities usually given to older and more experienced
men. He told a reporter years later that a four-mule plow team was the biggest
thing he’d driven before he became the pilot of a four-engine B-17. Now in his
late eighties, he said, “We were all just kids flying those things.”
In the Bible, we find accounts of many people who
followed God courageously when they were young. In a situation of corrupt
spiritual leadership, “Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child” (1
Sam. 2:18). David faced the giant Goliath in spite of being told, “You are not
able to go against this Philistine . . . for you are a youth” (17:33). Mary,
the mother of Jesus, was most likely very young when she was told she would
bear the Son of God. She responded to the angel’s announcement by saying, “Let
it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Paul told the young pastor
Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers” (1
Tim. 4:12).
God values each one in His family. In His strength, the
young can be bold in their faith, while those who are older can encourage those
who are “just kids.”
This is a great reminder as we watch our youth take lead
in different parts of our church life.
Dear Lord, we pray that we would be the encouragement to
all those that serve you no matter their age. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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