Let No One Despise Your Youth

Text: 1 Tim. 4:12-16. You can be an example of the Word in your conduct, love, faith, and purity. People are watching you, and they will notice a difference in you. 1) Minister to the Lord through people. 2) Be humble in serving. 3) Show faithfulness to people. 4) Be and stay teachable. 5) Don’t allow offense in your life. Bible examples of young people who made a big difference are Samuel and David. Samuel ministered to the Lord by serving Eli (1 Samuel 3:1-19). His obedience to the Word changed him. David didn’t take offense when his father “forgot” about him when Samuel came to anoint the next king (1 Samuel 16:12-18). He also was very gifted, and it was apparent that the Lord was with him, as Saul’s servant perceived. He was faithful in that he kept tending his father’s sheep even after he was serving King Saul in the palace. There are times of preparation that will propel us later in life and for the battles ahead. David had to be properly trained to face the lion and the bear. Even when he lost everything in Ziklag, and people close to him wanted to kill him, he strengthened himself in the Lord. If it worked for David and Samuel, it will work for you. Don’t waste your youth.