I Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because
you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in
conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." Paul wrote these words to
Timothy, a very young preacher in a culture that looked to elders for
wisdom. God has a habit of choosing young people to make a difference
for His Kingdom; He calls them to live extreme lives of faith in front
of a world that doesn't understand them. In the Old Testament, Jeremiah
was another of these counter-cultural, young leaders. God called him
to be a prophet to his people, but Jeremiah protested, "I do not know
how to speak; I am too young" (Jeremiah 1:6). God's response was clear,
"Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to
and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with
you and will rescue you" (Jeremiah 1:7-8).
It was shocking and exciting for me when I discovered
something about the twelve disciples. It is very likely that most of
them were only teenagers or young adults when Jesus called them to
follow Him. It's funny for me to picture Jesus as the first youth
pastor of sorts, but it shouldn't be too shocking when we think of all
the other young people God has used throughout salvation history such as
Joseph, Samuel, David, Mary the mother of Jesus, and others.
What should this mean for you as a young person today? I
think it should mean a few things. (1) The idea that people aren't
meant to get serious about their relationship with God until they are
old is a lie. Don't wait to go hard out for Jesus! (2) God has
incredible purposes for you NOW, today, next week, this month, and this
year! Don't miss out on this God-sized adventure by settling for a life
that conforms to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:1-2). (3) God
believes in young people enough to give them important roles in His
Kingdom. If He believes you have that much value, you should too! Be
willing to set an example and lead others toward the things of God while
you are still young. "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth"
(Ecclesiastes 12:1).
