Let No One Despise Your Youth

Let No One Despise Your Youth
Youth has its disadvantages sometimes, but it also has its positive aspects, “The glory
of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is the gray head” (Proverbs
20:29).  Some people want to emphasize the drawbacks of youth to the exclusion of its
strengths.  We must make those strengths more obvious.

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct,
in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).  

Notice this interesting point—the command here is made to the young not the old.  This
is not about how older people should treat younger people, but how younger people
should live their lives above reproach so that no one will despise them.  Young people
must control what others think about them.  Many people associate naiveté,
impulsiveness, and irresponsibility with youth.  We must prove ourselves to be the
exceptions.

Most young people want to be respected by the older generation.  It is difficult enough
gaining their respect without disgruntling them by our immaturity.  Respect must be
earned.  It cannot be demanded.  How can we earn the respect of others?  By being an
example in:

Word
Our speech can betray an irreverence for God or a worldly perspective on life.  It can
identify us with those who are enamored with the world or those who are separate from
the world.  Others listen to our words when we are angered, when we are exposed to
rough language around us, and when we are challenged by foul, profane people.  
Responding with uplifting speech demonstrates our godliness “Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification,
that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

Conduct
As we grow, we tenaciously hold to some of our immature ways, thinking they will help
us remain young.  Actually, they help us remain immature.  Our actions can bring
reproach on every word we speak if that word does not conform to our claims.  Young
Christians must not only live without reproach, but far above reproach “having your
conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers,
they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1
Peter 2:12).

Love
Love is our motivating force.  To be an example in love, one’s love must be seen, and it
must be obvious in all areas of our lives.  Love will “cover a multitude of sins” and hide a
hoard of shortcomings “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love
will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8).

Spirit
Our attitude and disposition must be an example that all Christians, young and old, can
follow.  Is your attitude negative, cynical, rebellious, and anti-establishment?  Do you
buck against the system just because there is a system?  Or do you display the positive
attitudes and characteristics of youth like zeal, optimism, and hope?  “For your
obedience has become known to all.  Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want
you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” (Romans 16:19).

Faith
Young David’s faith was an example for his Israelite comrades.  After he defeated the
giant Goliath, they took courage and pursued the Philistines.  When faith is exhibited in
youth, it may empower one whose long, hard years of “walking by faith” are wearying
him, “so that you became examples to all… for from you the word of the Lord has
sounded forth… your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say
anything” (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8).

Purity
With so many young people “sowing their wild oats” and tasting life’s “forbidden fruits”—
alcohol, sex, drugs—Christian young people need to show themselves pure and above
contamination “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with
those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

We want our place in the adult world—to work, to lead, and to live.  We have to show our
right to be there!

--Rob Harbison