Let No One Despise Your Youth

By on 15 June, 2009 | Comments (1)

p243Paul chose Timothy to accompany him on his second missionary journey because of his shining example as a very young Christian.

Scholars believe Timothy was in his teens or early twenties when he first travelled with Paul. This is because about 15 years later when he writes to Timothy in his first pastoral epistle, Paul still has to warn him to guard against people despising his ministry due to his youth.

Paul brags about Timothy to the Philippians in these terms:-

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Philippians 2:19-22

In short, Timothy’s life was focused around serving others and the things of Christ. Further, he proved himself over many years and worked with Paul like a submissive son would labour alongside his father.

What a challenge!

As much as it is for us to pray, plan and strategise about what we want our churches to be, practically and doctrinally, the truth is, we need to prove ourselves worthy of being followed and that takes submissive patience, service and character.

There were no shortcuts for leaders like Timothy, and for that matter, Joseph, Moses or Daniel.

Are we willing to pay the same price they did to be a leader worth following?

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

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Topics: Leadership, Ministry

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Comments

Thanks for the post. I really appreciated it, by the way where did you get the picture from? I like it.. :)

Comment by Alen on 15 June, 2009 @ 8:00 pm

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