‘Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all.’ 1 Timothy 4:12 NLT

Timothy was probably the first person actually raised as a Christian. And at a very young age, he became an apostle. However it seems some people in the early church thought his promotion to leadership when he was so young wasn’t a good thing.

But Paul did. He told Timothy: ‘Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 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… focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received… Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.’ (1 Timothy 4:11–15 NLT)

Who says you’re too young to make an impact? Not God. And not history. Victor Hugo wrote his first tragedy, Irtamène, at age 14. Raphael painted his masterpieces before he died at age 37. Tennyson published his first volume of poetry, Poems by Two Brothers, at 18. Paschal wrote his great works between the ages of 16 and 37. Joan of Arc did all her work and was burned at the stake at 19. Romulus is said to have founded Rome at 20. Calvin joined the Reformation at age 21 and wrote his famous Institutes at age 27. Alexander the Great had conquered all the lands between Egypt and India by the time he was 30. Isaac Newton was reputedly 24 when he discovered the law of gravity.

Believe in your calling, for God does. Develop your gifts, and ask God to bless them. Maximise every opportunity to the fullest, and you will make the world a better place.

SoulFood: Jer 36:27–40:16, Luke 4:31–44, Ps 102:12–17, Pr 15:3

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©