Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
The days of youth are a great time to be alive. They are a time for growing, for developing, for learning, for planning, and for action. The vigor and enthusiasm of youth, if harnessed for a worthy cause, lend themselves to accomplishing much.
Saint Paul wrote two letters to young Pastor Timothy that contained wise words of guidance and instruction for his ministry. Paul said in effect, "Timothy, remember that the grace of God has made you who you are today -- a redeemed child of God in Jesus Christ. God has given you gifts of wisdom and leadership, and He expects you to exercise those gifts. You are trained and called to be in God's service. So Timothy, if someone belittles you because you are young, put them to shame by your mature words of faith and loving conduct in life."
Young Pastor Timothy was an inspiration for many others -- young and old alike -- as he read the Scriptures and proclaimed the Good News of forgiveness through faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. What an encouragement for each of us!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, remind each of us how important it is to set an example as we live to honor You; through Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 46-48 Matthew 23:1-22
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