"FOR YOUR YOUTH!"

1 Timothy 4:11-16               (ESV)
"11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no one despise you "FOR YOUR YOUTH", but set the believers an example in SPEECH, in CONDUCT, in LOVE, in FAITH, in PURITY.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public READING OF SCRIPTURE, to EXHORTATION, to TEACHING.
14 Do not neglect the GIFT you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers."



Since I am in my mid 50's, one would presume the Apostle Paul was referring to someone else when he said "Let no one despise you "FOR YOUR YOUTH"!   But their are any number of perceived inferiorities that the enemy can use to make us doubt GOD's ability to use a "wretch such as I"!   I may think I am too young, or too old, or too tall, or too skinny, or too wealthy, or too poor, or TOO SCARED to accomplish what GOD has called me to do.

David was reportedly less than 15 years old when GOD used him to slay Goliath.  Mary was estimated to be 13 years old when GOD used her to assist with HIS entry into this world.  Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac, GOD's Promise, was born.  GOD doesn't need what society deems to be fit to perform a task!   GOD only requires FAITH no matter our age or social status!

Hebrews 11:6 says 'without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please HIM!  No matter the task, GOD is the ONE who gives us the abilities to perform that task.  If we place our FAITH in HIM, anything HE wants done can glorify HIS name.   Believing that GOD is limited by our physical limitations is an extreme under appreciation of WHO GOD is.  Philippians 4:13 states "I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me."

My task is not to be older, richer, skinnier, physically stronger, nor more prestigious!  Paul instructed us to set an "example in SPEECH, in CONDUCT, in LOVE, in FAITH, in PURITY"!  The Word of GOD develops us into what tools GOD can use for HIS glory.  As Paul instructed, don't let anyone be critical or berate your efforts "FOR YOUR YOUTH"!  David didn't, Mary didn't, and Abraham didn't let his age hold him back either.  GOD is ABLE!