Do Not Neglect Your Gift
That is why we labor
and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior
of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach
these things. 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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to
preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you
through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in
these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your
progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if
you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy
4:10-16
No matter what your
age, you can make an impact for Jesus. There may be times when we question
whether teenagers are too young to make an impact for Jesus. They are not too
young. They touch people’s lives because of their innocence and their youth.
In the word they make a difference for Christ
because they control what they say, they avoid negative talk, and they speak
words that honor God.
In conduct teens who practice discretion in
their behavior shine for all the world to see.
In faith teens who put their faith into
action changes lives.
In purity it’s tough to be morally pure and
doctrinally sound, but kids who are can set the bar for the rest of us.
Paul’s words aren’t
just for the young generation. All of us should be an example in word, conduct,
love, faith, and purity. That’s how we make an impact for Christ.
The most
valuable commentary on the Bible is a godly life.
Our Daily Bread –