Not So Young

ChildrenI remember when I was younger and I thought that people my age were pretty old. I mean they got tired easily, they took afternoon naps, and went to be early.  When I was young I thought I would stay young forever. There are days even now I feel very young and spunky. There are other days I feel at least 20 years older. So much of that is in my mind – but a lot of it is in this tired body.  Paul encourages the young preacher, Timothy (who was probably in is late 30’s maybe even early 40’s) to keep strong and teach with power.  Check this out…

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-14 NIV)

 

Youth is really a lot about attitude and about age as well. “You’re only as old as you feel” is partially true. Feelings can be all over the place. A 30 year old kid can feel 50 and a 50 old man can feel 30. Age is somewhat relative, but really not so much. There are things that older people know that would be great for them to share with young people to maybe help them avoid the same mistakes. It’s important for young people to listen as well.  It’s also possible for young people to teach older people things of significance – like smart phones, computers and technology. Young people also teach older folks to let go of previous prejudiced and closed minds.  Paul instructs Timothy to watch his life and doctrine (teaching) carefully. I need to be responsible for what I say AND what I do. They both reveal my young heart.

Pressing On!
Dwayne

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