Because You Are Young

“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.” - 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

I think we often read this verse with a bit of an indignant mindset, especially as a young believer. This verse might be misused to demand respect or authority as a young believer. But that’s not the heart of it at all.

In fact, I think this is a rather challenging and humbling verse. We tend to stop paying attention halfway through. We get stuck on the “don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” part and sort of tune out the exhortation that follows.

Paul tells Timothy to set an example for other believers in five areas: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Really think about that list for a minute… that’s a tall order!

Paul isn’t telling Timothy to demand respect from other believers or to defend himself. He’s telling him to shift his focus. Rather than being discouraged because others don’t believe in him, Paul is encouraging Timothy to set an example that will point them to Christ.

Speech - how hard is it to control your tongue? Not to say that curse word, join in the gossip, or complain about whatever situation you’re in - it takes a level of self-control that can only come from God.

Conduct - how you act in every situation. How is your behavior representing Christ? Does it reflect what scripture says or does it reflect what you see from the world?

Love - both who you love and how you love. Do you only love your friends or the people you “have to” love? Or do you show love to your enemy? This is about following Christ’s example and loving radically and counter-culturally

Faith - how strong is your faith? Do you trust God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, even when it doesn’t make sense?

Purity - all right young people, let’s be real. This one is difficult. Impurity is perhaps the sin the younger generations are most known for. How are you keeping your eyes, ears, and even thoughts pure?

You see, Paul was calling Timothy to a set-apart standard of holiness that was and is difficult to attain. Not to mention how difficult it can be to be an example to believers that are older than you or have known the Lord longer than you.

It’s like the younger sibling being told to be an example of good behavior to the older sibling. It’s easy to think, “well they should know better!” Or “if they can get away with bending the rules, why can’t I?”

It’s natural for the younger to look up to the example of the older and it’s challenging when those roles get flipped. But once again, God instructs us to live in a way that is counter-cultural.

It sounds like Timothy was in a situation where the older generation was not setting a good example and was even looking down their nose at him. Despite their years, they couldn’t see the pride that had built up within themselves, and it hindered them from encouraging and equipping Timothy for his role in the Kingdom.

Paul’s encouragement is a challenge to Timothy to rise above his circumstances and commit to living a godly standard even if he didn’t have a good example to live up to.

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not Lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” - 1 Peter 5:1-3 NIV

“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” - 1 Peter 5:5 NIV

This is not just a teaching for those who only have a few candles on their birthday cake. It’s for all of us. Whatever age you are, there’s an older generation above you and a younger one coming after you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, seek to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. You may change the hearts of some in an older generation, and make the path a little easier for some in the younger generation.