This week is spring break for many schools, and I thought it might be the perfect time to remind young people that they are special and should make the most of their youthful days by embracing their uniqueness.
Young Christians can distinguish themselves in society by following the advice of I Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” These same words also plainly point to the obligation that youth must live out their lives in a way that will help others become believers.
Many times, the media will display a false image of all young people, when, in fact, it is impossible to put all young people in a mold. However, it is imperative that we change the false narrative about young people so that they can stop believing the lies. We must tell them who they really are according to the Word of God. The Word says they are “blessed” as described in Deuteronomy 28:3.
I Timothy is a letter written to encourage a young pastor, Timothy. (Theologians cannot agree on the age of Timothy.) This young minister had many challenges to deal with. He had to learn how to deal with false teachers that were not only deceivers but were greedy for material gain. He had to organize and oversee churches filled with people who may have been hungry for the Word but were still trying to hang onto fables/fairy tales that they had been taught all their lives. Then, he had to deal with those who had left the faith and wanted to share “their newfound” ideas with those under the care of Timothy.
Knowing that Timothy was young and faced numerous challenges, the older and more seasoned Apostle Paul tells Timothy to do a number of things that would keep him close to God and ensure his success in the ministry. These same tips will help today’s youth achieve success in every area of their lives:
1. Set clear boundaries. “Let no man despise they youth.” Live life big! Live life beautifully! Enjoy the season of life that is called youth, for it is fleeting! Live life so when you wake up the next morning or in your next season beyond youthfulness, your name will not be truthfully scandalized.
2. Smile, the whole world is watching. The Word says, “Be thou an example of the believers…” Walking in your godly purpose will bring immense joy and you were made to succeed. No matter what the challenge, you can shine as you work to achieve your goals. The world is watching you closely so see if you are walking in your God purpose.
3. Finally, perfect practice makes for perfect outcome. Again, Paul writes, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you…” Maybe your gift is singing. Well, let me tell you, before you were born you were tuning up inside of your mother’s womb. You were exercising your vocal cords.
Maybe you were called to create music with an instrument and every time you heard music, even before you were born, the music would energize you and make you kick and move! (I told you that you are blessed!)
Maybe your gift is art and colors speak to you! Artist to xylophone player, or airline pilot to zip line rider, there are more gifts and occupations than I can name. Yet, that unique good seed is already planted within you, waiting to fully utilize that gift.
