Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
—1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
How do you command the respect of others when you are young? You don't! You earn that respect by the character and quality of your life. Those of us who are older must recognize and validate younger Christians who are people of character and faith. We need to encourage them and fuel their desires to honor the LORD. Those of us who are younger need to live a life of character that cannot be questioned — you won't be perfect, but you can be passionate about living for Jesus. Character, morality, faith, and loving-kindness are essential attributes for us as disciples of Jesus, no matter our age.
Holy God, we thank you for those in our church family who are young, stand for your character, and live godly lives despite pressure from their peers to do otherwise. Father, I also thank you for those older in the faith, who have given us a chance to use our gifts, and who have influenced and encouraged us in our spiritual growth. Please help us keep our church united in mission and purpose across the different age groups, to your glory and for the growth of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
How do you command the respect of others when you are young? You don't! You earn that respect by the character and quality of your life. Those of us who are older must recognize and validate younger Christians who are people of character and faith. We need to encourage them and fuel their desires to honor the LORD. Those of us who are younger need to live a life of character that cannot be questioned — you won't be perfect, but you can be passionate about living for Jesus. Character, morality, faith, and loving-kindness are essential attributes for us as disciples of Jesus, no matter our age.
My Prayer...
Holy God, we thank you for those in our church family who are young, stand for your character, and live godly lives despite pressure from their peers to do otherwise. Father, I also thank you for those older in the faith, who have given us a chance to use our gifts, and who have influenced and encouraged us in our spiritual growth. Please help us keep our church united in mission and purpose across the different age groups, to your glory and for the growth of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
