JUST KIDS

JUST KIDS

READ:
1 Timothy 4:9-16

Let no one despise your youth,
but be an example to the believers.
-1 Timothy 4:12

After high school, Darrell Blizzard left the orphanage where he grew up to join the US Army Air Corps.  World War II was in full swing, and soon he faced responsibilities usually given to older and more experienced men.  He told a reporter years later that a four-mule plow team was the biggest thing he'd driven before he became the pilot of a four-engine B-17.  Now in his late eighties, he said, "We were all just kids flying those things."

In the Bible, we find accounts of many people who followed God courageously when they were young.  In a situation of corrupt spiritual leadership, "Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child" (1 Samuel 2:18).  David faced the giant Goliath in spite of being told, "You are not able to go against this Philistine...for you are a youth" (17:33).  Mary, the mother of Jesus, was most likely very young when she was told she would bear the Son of God.  She responded to the angel's announcement by saying, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).  Paul told the young pastor Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers" (1 Timothy 4:12).

God values each one in His family.  In His strength, the young can be bold in their faith, while those who are older can encourage those who are "just kids."   - David McCasland

O Lord of all the upward road,
Keep strong our youth, we pray;
May age and youth together seek
To follow in Thy way. -Niedermeyer
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Encouraging the young should never become old.

INSIGHT
Paul's ministry was multifaceted.  He was a church planter:  Paul would enter a community, proclaim the message of Christ, and form a church among those who believed.  He was a mentor:  He trained young men for service in the kingdom.  Timothy, Titus, Luke, Epaphroditus, and Onesimus are just a few of the first-century followers of Christ who received spiritual training from Paul.  Finally, he was a writer:  He provided us with at least 13 of the 27 New Testament books.  The words in today's text reflect both his writing and mentoring ministries.

Have a blessed day and weekend.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace