“Take Me In” by Kutlass
12 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. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 1 Tim 4:12-14
It is the nature of truth to be ageless. Paul’s words to his adopted son Timothy are timely and appropriate for youth in the 21st Century. They also shed light on the context in which godly youth were instructed in the ancient world, which we would be wise to emulate.
Paul was aware that youths require instruction, so he told Timothy point-by-point how to live as a man of God. It is fashionable in our time to let “kids be kids.” Godly instruction from the home is often lacking, because the parents themselves see no need to take heed to the things of God. If God is not an intimate part of the lives of parents, there is a very good chance He will not be a part of the lives of our children. The Bible teaches clearly that children are to be instructed. Absence of instruction leaves children vulnerable to confusion, temptation, error and wounding. This is extremely dangerous because they are the future of the church.
Paul affirmed Timothy in his office. He acknowledged and enforced the charge that Timothy has been given to evangelize the world. “Let no man despise thy youth,” is both a command and insight that will protect Timothy from one of the major fiery darts of the wicked. The devil makes youth an accusation: “You’re too young,” the evil one whispers. In the minds of many, truth is “too heavy” for youth to bring to the church. Many older Christians and nonbelievers dismiss young people because they lack length of years, and lack of experience. But God is timeless. Those anointed by the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9) don’t need wrinkles to certify their work.
William Blake’s etching/watercolour “Ancient of Days”. :23.3 x 16.8 cm (9 1/8 x 6 7/8 in.) :British Museum, London* A deleted file is described by several sources as a copy held by Whitworth Institute, Manchester, though it appeared to be identical to this, which is said to be sourced from the British Museum. This copy is believed to be Blake’s final work, commissioned by Frederick Tatham. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Paul gave Timothy precise instructions. He told him how to behave as a man of God “…in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine,” implies that even more instructions will be forthcoming when Paul arrives. This gives Timothy a timeline for his expectations.
Paul encouraged Timothy and affirmed his calling by saying: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy…” He let Timothy know that he had a gift and reinforces its importance by mentioning that it was prophesied. Prophecy is respected, even in the secular world, so Paul was conveying the authority of Timothy’s calling, that it came from God. The agency of prophecy also lets us know that Timothy was given foreknowledge of what he was to do. This gave him room for expectation and time for preparation as well as a goal to prepare for.
Timothy was part of a community of believers. He was an active member of the church as a young man. His gift was prophesied about. The presbytery laid hands on him. This speaks loudly of the importance of being present in the lives of young people. God’s assignments for his people are specific for the person. God’s assignments for all His people, young and old, require that adults be present.
How many of our youth fail to attain fullness of life in Christ because the adults in their lives (both in and outside the church) are too busy chasing their own worldly dreams? How many drown in the cares of this world because the elders are too preoccupied to hear the voice of God speak about the well-fare of young people? How many young men and women of God give up because there is no one there to support and care for them in times of doubt and distress? Who is available to encourage and instruct them? Lay hands on them? Teach them? Tell them what to expect so that they don’t get frustrated with waiting?
The Lord has a mission for our youth. What are you and your church doing help bring it to pass? If your inventory of actions is empty, get busy! Make a list of what you can do, and do it!!
Until we meet again, go in peace.
– Verneda
