Let no man despise thy youth

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4
1 Timothy 4:12-13 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. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Timothy was a young man and he was in a position of responsibility in the church. Timothy was a part of the apostle Paul's team and was serving as a pastor. This would mean that Timothy was considered an elder. Paul knew that Timothy would have to silence the false teachings of some and that these older men would try to discredit Timothy because he was a young man.

Young men find themselves in this place in life many times. Some are in positions of responsibility and some would like to be.
Older men sometimes despise them because of their youth and will not listen to them or give them the opportunities that they should. What should a young man do in this situation?

The Bible tells us plainly: live a mature Christian life and people will see your maturity! When young men want to be heard but they live immature lives, they are stifling their own opportunities. But, when a young man shows by the transformed life he lives and the wisdom he has gained that he is a mature Christ-follower, others will see this.

Paul tells Timothy to be an example in Christian virtues. Let the life of Christ show through you! Be an example in word and lifestyle. Be an example in love and spiritual maturity. Be an example in faith and purity. The path to wisdom and transformation in the Christian life is to be filled with the Spirit and to be filled with the Word of God.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

When your mind is transformed, you will prove that good, acceptable and perfect will of God and others will recognize it. Learn Bible doctrine and live it. Share the good news of Jesus Christ and exhort others to follow him.

1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

When young men act like children they will not be taken seriously. But when young men show Christian maturity and live a life that is an example of a Christ-follower, others will see and take you seriously.

In Christ,
Rody