Youth Ministry without Scorn

The Ministry of Men

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Being young has never been an obstacle to being used. God sees the heart’s desire and responds to the passion of faith at any age. Replete in Scripture are examples of daring and brave individuals who believed in God and were used to fulfill His purposes while yet in their youth.

Moses made some decisions as a young man that set a course for life while being nurtured by his Hebrew mother. He chose rather “to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25).

David was a ruddy-faced youth when he was chosen and anointed to be the next king of Israel. A man after God’s heart, he grew with a passion to fulfill God’s purpose, whether it was facing the giant on the field, defeating Philistines, or worshiping God before the hosts of Israel.

Daniel was a teen leaving for Babylon as a captive. Ripped from the security of home and family he was displaced for life. He would never return to his homeland but he remained a faithful man of integrity throughout his lifetime.

We don’t know the ages of the disciples but they seemed to be younger men. Some still worked in their father’s business when they received their call. Even Jesus started at only 30 years of age calling these men to follow him.

The promise of Pentecost was for all ages. The prophet Joel was quoted to have said “Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). God’s promises are not exclusive of the young.

Paul encouraged the young man Timothy, to fulfill his purpose and calling. He said, “Let no one despise your youth!” Even as a youth he was instructed to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” There is a role in ministry for every believer. Even young men can be an example in leadership to others in the kingdom of God! Just do it!