Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:12).
Timothy was a young Christian. It seems that, at the time of this letter, Timothy had been working with Paul for at least 10 years. The Greek term translated “youthfulness” could include anything from teens all the way up to early 40’s. Whatever Timothy’s actual age, a youth is someone who could be perceived by others as having a lack of experience, and therefore having a perspective that is not valuable.
Because some decisions take maturity, we don’t allow people to drive until age 16. We don’t throw people in prison (usually) for their actions until age 18. We allow people to stay under their parents’ health insurance until age 26. Paul warns about “youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22). For the most part, such acknowledgement of the recklessness of youth is normal.
Nevertheless, we all know of many exceptions—for instance, teens we’d feel safer riding with than many of the adults currently behind the wheel. While the older generation is often justified in its contempt for certain individuals in the younger generation, we should realize that it is unfair to paint with a broad brush. It’s not true that all Millennials are lazy or that all Gen-Z is surly.
As Elihu points out in Job 32:8-9, “the abundant in years may not be wise … but the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.” Certainly, age alone is due respect (Lev. 19:32), but some people learn more slowly than others, and some people read the Bible more frequently than others. I would rather seek the counsel of many of my faithful college-age brethren than many of my wishy-washy retired brethren.
But Timothy wasn’t to stamp his feet and pout and demand respect just because Paul said so. Paul told Timothy to earn the respect of his brethren (see Prov. 20:11). While enjoying the blessings and energy and perspective of youth, Timothy needed to put forth a good example in five crucial areas of life, where devotion to Christ is seen. In truth, every Christian, young or old, man or woman, ought to be an example in these areas.
Speech includes topics of discussion and the choice of words and attitude in communication. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), so use it to bless rather than slander or curse. Everyone appreciates a tasteful joke, but we must be careful to avoid “filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting” (Eph. 5:4). Gain mastery of profanity, which is inappropriate in the mouth of a saint and damages our influence. Study the Proverbs to develop winning ways in communication (Proverbs 10:31-32, 11:13, 12:22, 13:3, 15:4, 17:14, 17:28, 18:8, 26:20-21, 28:23 for starters).
Conduct refers to overall behavior—at work, at home, at school, at church, on the ball field, in the neighborhood, in the grocery store. We could highlight so many things, but for now let’s just remember the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:19-23).
Love is not just feelings of affection, but wanting the best for all, expressed in acts of unselfish service. Model a servant’s heart toward your brethren especially, but also your family and your community. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Faith is our devotion to God, confidence in the promises God has made, endurance and joy in the face of hardship, obedience to His word, efforts to worship.
Purity refers to one important aspect of our conduct—maintaining sexual purity in our relationships. Too many pastors and evangelists have destroyed churches due to a lack of propriety. All Christians should be known as people who express sexuality in the bonds of marriage (1 Thess. 4:3). Furthermore, so many of our friends and brethren alike need to see examples of pornography-free lives, so that they may find a path to victory over this awful sin, too.
So, let those 14 to 45 shine forth an example of those who believe. People are looking up to you (1 Cor. 11:1). And thanks be to God for the host of youthful people in this congregation who truly inspire us all!
—John Guzzetta