OCT 30

1 Timothy 4:12-16
Memorise 1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no man despise thy youth…”

To know Christ and to be saved at a young age is a great privilege. This means that we have our whole lives ahead of us to serve the Lord. The Bible has many wonderful exhortations to young people, for God says, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD” (Psalm 34:11), “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1), and “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding” (Proverbs 4:1).

In every age God has called youths to do a special work for Him. The Bible is replete with examples of men of faith who started serving the Lord from a very young age. For example God assured young Jeremiah, “Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee” (Jeremiah 1:7-8). We also remember godly men, in their younger years, like Joseph, Daniel, Samuel and King Josiah who served the Lord faithfully, and were able to maintain godly testimonies.

Another example is Timothy, who felt inadequate to be a pastor, at a young age. Paul encouraged him that he was not to be deterred, or allow anyone to look down upon him just because he was young. Instead, he was to do his best to be an example of the believers in every aspect of his life. Church brethren observed that Timothy was spiritually mature though he was relatively young in terms of age.

Dear young teenager, you too can be an example of the believers. It is never too young to start! The moment we are saved, we can start being a good testimony for the Lord. As the Spirit of the Lord fills you and you diligently study His Word, you too can be a godly example to others, ie, in your love for the Lord and those around you, in your forgiving disposition and in the purity of your thoughts.

Thought: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13)

Prayer: Father in heaven, may I not lean to my own understanding but trust Thee with all my heart to use me for Thine glory.