Topic: Youth In Action!
Text: 1 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. Amen
In an era where advocacy for human rights is very high, you can be sure that no youth is ever easily going to allow anyone to infringe on his/ her rights. They have a fair idea what those rights are and would go every extent to have them respected.
However, when it comes to being responsible and reliable, the modern day youth is found wanting and ever lacking. Most of us demonstrate a poor sense of judgement, a lackadaisical attitude towards life, and a lazy attitude towards work. Others are weak willed with no sense of integrity. They love every pleasure today promises and care less about the good foundations to be laid for a better tomorrow.
This makes it a challenge for parents, employers, lecturers/ teachers, mentors and pastors to know exactly how to handle the situation. On the one hand, they (the youth) make a total demand that their rights be respected and their due given them. While on the other hand, they show little or no sense of responsibility whatsoever.
In his first letter to ‘youthful’ Timothy, Apostle Paul shared a wonderful advice which should be the pledge of honour to every youth around the world, especially Christians. He said, “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.”
Now, this is the simple key that should open the door to greatness for every youth who desires to be great — SET EXAMPLE IN SPEECH, CONDUCT, LOVE, FAITH AND PURITY. You see, any christian youth who allows the Holy Spirit to work on how they speak and conduct themselves, will be received by all as responsible, anywhere they go. But if he/ she should have the added advantage of being full of faith, love and purity, then the glory and beauty of the Lord will cloud all over him/ her and open greater doors than can be imagined.
This happened to Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Silas, Joshua, Mary, Samuel and several other youth in the Bible. They were consumed by the fear of God and hence careful to obey His commands. They also learnt the ways of life and the role of God in it from godly patriarchs, leaders and mentors who themselves feared God and obeyed His commands. No wonder greatness run through all of them.
Meditate on this word therefore, and begin to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help transform your life by the renewing of your mind. So that your youthful days are not wasted away in sin and other irresponsible acts of foolishness. Also, ask for grace to set examples in speech, conduct, faith, love and purity everywhere you go, and see how distinguished your life will be… God certainly honours all those who honour Him.
