Greg Chandler
03/16/14
We have no idea of Timothy’s age when the Apostle Paul wrote the words, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (I Timothy 4:12). However young Timothy may have been, the Apostle Paul knew that there were older Christians who would look down on a young man bringing such a serious message. He warns Timothy to not allow this attitude to diminish his work. There is always a tendency for the older generation to discount the words of youth. Sometimes this may be needed if younger people speak without thinking through their conclusions. Many times; however, good ideas come from young minds and older minds would do well to pay attention to these ideas. There are also occasions when youth is despised by older Christians who feel that the gospel must be reinvented to “attract the young.” Rather than offering solid opportunities for serious Bible study, “religion” is reduced to rock concerts, motivational speakers, and logo infested t-shirts. For young Christians placed in this situation, do not let anyone despise your youth!
The Bible is replete with examples of young people who took their spirituality seriously. Consider the young man Joseph who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph became a trusted servant in the household of one of Pharaoh’s most powerful war leaders and had control over everything except the man’s wife. When his wife began having impure thoughts and making advances, Joseph stood his spiritual ground: “But he refused and said to his master's wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:8-9). Another example is the young woman Ruth. Leaving everything familiar to her, she gave her life to her mother-in-law Naomi and to Jehovah God. With diligence, she proved herself worthy to both. Young King Josiah worked with tenacity to restore the Temple to the glory the Lord deserved. Beginning at age 16, he dedicated his life to God and proved himself a faithful king to the Lord’s people. These examples, plus the others given in the Bible, illustrate that young people are fully capable of serious, mature actions in the service of God. This has not changed in the 21st century!
Whether one is 18 or 81, the gospel message is the same. Youth should not be cheapened through religious schemes that seek to lure young men and women through loud music and spiritual “fluff.” Younger Christians must simply stand up and not allow their youth to be despised in this way. This is done through serious study of the Bible and application of the Bible’s message. It is realizing that Jesus Christ gave His life on a Roman cross so that the grace of God could be known to all men and women. It is realizing the darkness of sin and that sin brings spiritual death: “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). It is realizing that personal action must be taken to come out of this sinful lifestyle and devote one’s life fully to God: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). It is realizing that, after baptism, one is raised to walk in holiness with the Lord: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (I Peter 1:15). This is the gospel message that brings one into fellowship with God no matter one’s age.
Do young people have special needs? Of course! At each stage of life, the devil works diligently to destroy souls. Certain problems faced in youth need the wise counsel and advice of older Christians. Younger Christians should turn to those who are older to receive help in facing these dilemmas. When these times come, older Christians should give such advice in a mature and sober way. Younger Christians should humbly accept this advice as it corresponds with the words of God. Never, though, should either the younger or older leave the boundaries of God’s word for what they might “feel” will help the younger generation. God is sufficient for every age and stage of life!