FOLLOWING THE GREATEST EXAMPLE
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)
You may read the verse above and want to check out because, as much as it pains you to admit it, you’re not young—or at least, not that young anymore. It happens to the best of us! Stick with me, though, as I believe this verse has something for all of us.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger person whom he has helped encourage and disciple. Timothy is pastoring a church at this point, and as a younger man, he may have been dealing with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity or self-doubt. Probably all of us have been in a position to lead those older than us at some point or another. It can be intimidating. Paul seeks to encourage this younger man further as he follows Christ and leads others.
When was the last time you encouraged a younger person?
It’s easy to be dismissive of the next generation. And this isn’t a new phenomenon—it seems like every generation has some level of derision for the one that follows. But what if we collectively made it our mission to encourage and love the next generation well? What if we equipped and empowered them to not just be the church of tomorrow but the church of today? Gen Z and Gen Alpha are made in the image of God, just like you and me. They are deeply loved by God, just like you and me. And they have a wonderful capacity for Kingdom impact, just like you and me.
So, let us spur them on! And along the way, let us not forget what Paul says to Timothy. That young people can be an example to all believers. We have things we can learn from the next generation. Perhaps God wants to use a younger person to be a tremendous blessing in your life. Are you open to that?
APPLICATION: How are you impacting the next generation? Ask God how He might want you to do so. How are you being encouraged by the next generation? Ask God how you might position yourself to have this happen.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the people You place in our lives to encourage us toward You. Please help me be aware of opportunities I have to impact the next generation. Please grant me the humility and openness to be impacted by them as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?