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In 1 Timothy 4:12 the Apostle Paul writes Timothy a note of encouragement to his mentee and son in the faith. Timothy is shepherding the church in Ephesus and it seems as if he was receiving criticism due to his age. Paul tells him, 12Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love,
in faith, in purity.
There is no need to respond to the criticism, to argue with folks, or to justify his age. Instead, Timothy is to set an example in the way he lives.
It seems to be a generational problem that we constantly critique the generation after us. We are prone to regaling others with stories stating, “back in my day” or,
the “ youth of these days seem so…” But we forget what it was like to be young.
We forget that every generation was critiqued. We forget that the youth of the 60s and 70s were judged for their afros, music, and social mores. Instead of judging those who are younger than us, we need to find opportunities to create space to listen to their voices. This is done by more than occasionally having youth involved in our worship services. We need to ask what perspectives, what lessons, and what insights can I gain from someone of a different generation. Children, Youth, and Young Adults who form Gen Z and Gen A, born since1995 (the millennials are now in their 30s and 40s) face unprecedented challenges: the pandemic to social media, severe mental health issues and loneliness epidemics, gun violence, a poor economy, and a decline in institutions that once provided safety and support. We need the voice of the youth. We need their perspective and we need their leadership.
To those who are young, set an example by how you live, by how you love, and how you care.
Greta Thunberg has taught us to care for the climate; Amanda Gorman has taught us how to persevere, and countless youth and young adults are changing their communities and their world. There is no pressure to do that, either. Simply live following Jesus and let that be an example at school, at work, on the athletic field,
and wherever else God has placed gifts within you.
Second Baptist, let us heed Paul’s words. Let us encourage the next generation, and the next time we are ready to critique the next generation, let’s open our hearts in humility and ask, "What can I learn?"
Please reflect back on 1 Timothy 4:12 throughout the week, and then take time each
day to respond to the Reflection Questions posed for each day, beginning with today's:
Is there a young person in my life whom God is calling me to listen to?
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