YOUTH MOVEMENT
“ Don ’ t let anyone think less of you because you are young . Be an example to all believers in what you say , in the way you live , in your love , your faith , and your purity ” ( 1 Timothy 4:12 , NLT ).
Timothy was a young believer who stood out to the apostle Paul . Timothy had the church elders prophesy over him , saying he would be used by God ( 1 Timothy 1:18 ). As a result , Paul invested in Timothy and taught him how to lead his fellow believers . Paul refers to Timothy as a “ son in the faith ” ( 1 Timothy 1:2 ), which gives us a small taste of how much Paul cared for Timothy .
We can read the intense letters Paul wrote to Timothy in both first and second Timothy . These letters are filled with so much wisdom and practical advice for life . I encourage you to read both books !
I want to focus on one verse that jumped out at me , and it ’ s written above ( 1 Timothy 4:12 ). After Paul has written about tough topics like leaders in the church , worship , and false teachers , Paul gives this instruction :
“ Don ’ t let anyone think less of you because you are young .” You can hear Paul ’ s confidence in this verse – he ’ s telling Timothy that God has called him so he can do this ! It doesn ’ t matter what others think . Paul must have known that Timothy , being so young , was going to face opposition from others , but this didn ’ t disqualify him . With this confidence , Paul also charges Timothy with a pretty intense word . He goes on to say he should set an example to all believers with his words , his life , his love , his faith , and his purity . This charge affects every area of Timothy ’ s life !
This charge is for us , too . As young members in CMA , we can ’ t let our age stop us from doing all the things God has called us to do . Maybe it ’ s not someone “ looking down at you ,” but you feel like you ’ re not good enough to go out and tell others about Jesus . You can ! God has called you to set an example to other believers , no matter your age or your current situation in life .
With your words – choosing to build others up instead of gossiping or complaining .
With your life – by giving of your time and serving instead of only doing things for yourself .
With your love – caring about others and reaching out in love .
With your faith – trusting that God ’ s holding your future and obeying Him even when we don ’ t understand .
With your purity – both physically and spiritually , not filling ourselves with the things of this world that hold us back .
You can make a difference right where you ’ re at – it doesn ’ t matter if you ’ re 12 or 75 . God has a plan for you !
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:8 ( NLT ), “ Physical training is good , but training for godliness is much better , promising benefits in this life and in the life to come .”
Keep seeking God through prayer and His Word , and you will be an example to other believers . As we go out and tell others about Jesus , know that you can be used just like Timothy . You aren ’ t too young or too inexperienced . You can show other believers the way .
CMA
Ben and Rachel Larson serve CMA as National Evangelist-Youth Movement .
25⎪JUNE 2022⎪www . cmausa . org