4 x 6 Plan | Read: Luke 5:17-32 & 1 Timothy 4:6-16
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)
I played for a legendary high school football coach that won over 400 games in his career. I was also fortunate enough to coach with him for another 10 years while teaching. One of the things I admired most was his principles. He had little phrases but they were important to him. Things like “If you take care of the little things, the big things take care of themselves” and “no job is too small for anyone on staff”. I could go on, but what he said wasn’t nearly as important as what he lived. I remember him saying once that you can’t block a common way on offense because it’s holding (even though all lineman do it now). That was the moment I realized what we act on shouts so much louder than what we’ll ever say. Do your words match your actions?
In this reading, Paul is advising Timothy on how to handle a difficult situation. At the time, Timothy is being sent in to address areas of concern within the church. No doubt, this was an overwhelming task. Timothy was younger than many of the people he would be advising, and he also likely had less religious experience. This, however, was not concerning to God. What we see in others and ourselves is not what God sees. God sees the heart. God is concerned not with age or experience, but with our conduct, love, faith and purity.Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his age, but the principle extends far beyond just age. The broader message is that God has a plan for us no matter what our perceived limitation. As believers, we are called specifically to pursue God’s will above all else. This means that no matter our situation, we are without excuse when it comes to saying yes to what God puts in front of us. If we aren’t dead, God’s not done.
God is not waiting for us to reach a certain age, theological understanding or level of income to be used by Him. Our value to God lies in our obedience — not our age, race, gender or how much or how little we may have. Despite all the shortcomings we see in ourselves, we have the ability to confidently share Jesus’ message with those around us.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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