Susperseding Youth

“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” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Timothy was Paul’s young assistant in Ephesus. He was given the great task of supervising the growing Ephesian Church at such an early age. This would be a daunting responsibility, as there were probably a lot of people in that Church who were older and probably more mature than he was. But Paul saw selflessness in Timothy, a disinterest in youthful lusts, that made him spiritually mature than someone of his physical age.

Timothy’s early life had the perfect ingredients to possibly prevent him from doing his ministry. He was an outcast; a sickly half-Greek boy who lacked a father figure. His mother was a social pariah because she married outside their race. This association with her would have led to a life of prejudice and exclusion for young Timothy. Yet whatever his circumstances were, this did not prevent him from finding his peace in Jesus Christ. He superseded his situation. He refused to fit in to the presumptions that people had of him – from the matter of his upbringing to the issue of his youth.

It is not unheard of that older people tend to underestimate youth with a passion for the Word. Often they are boxed in with expectations, to which they are expected to confirm. Judgment comes from the simple matter of biological age. The youth are perceived as frivolous, chasing after worldly possessions. They are susceptible to mistakes. They do not know any better.

This mindset causes them to overlook the wonderful things that the youth can do in the work of bringing God’s kingdom here on earth. They fail to see the fire that these young people have for Christ Jesus, the many ways in which they can be further cultivated for His glory. The youth can do wonderful things for His kingdom. They have the capacity and creativity to make great things happen.

The apostle Paul saw Timothy’s potential to be a good disciple of Christ. He nurtured this passion and Timothy followed his advice well. Paul treated him as his peer. He was not condescending and did not try to appeal to Timothy’s youth. He seldom referred to his young friend’s age, except to remind him to “flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

The task that Paul left to Timothy would be overwhelming to someone of his age. Paul urged Timothy to “…remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1Timothy 1:3, NKJV). This was no easy task but Timothy lived up to his mentor’s expectations. We find out from his story that he was later on incarcerated for his faith and for preaching the Word of Christ.

Timothy’s example should serve as an encouragement to young people who feel like they but a tiny part of God’s work of salvation. Looking around us, we can see what the collective efforts of the youth are capable of. They are doing what they can to change the world. They are growing in their faith and even mentoring others to do the same. The song “Hosanna”, written by Brooke Fraser of Hillsong United, has a line that says “I see a generation rising up to take its place with selfless faith”.

Age and numbers do not matter to God. What matters to Him is your desire to know Him more. Do not fall into the temptations of youth. Do not be discouraged, use your youth as an advantage in your work for His kingdom. Focus on being closer to God. Salvation comes to those who put their faith in Him, regardless of their age.