Let No One Look down on You
No one should despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.—1Tim 4:12
Timothy was a sincere young man who earnestly desired to serve Yahvahosha. Yet certain weaknesses in Timothy's life hindered him from serving Yahvah confidently. Timothy was very young to be a religious leader, and apparently some doubted his abilities. Timothy had a tender nature and was sickly (1Tim 5:23). His was an inauspicious beginning for a young minister of the gospel in an age of persecution!
Paul urged Timothy not to allow his youthful insecurity to blunt his zeal and faithfulness in doing what Yahvah had told him. Rather than arguing with those who criticized Timothy, Paul urged him to live as an example of righteousness. Paul advised Timothy to live a life that was so spotless in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity that his life could serve as a model for others in the assembly to follow. Timothy's life was to be the evidence that Yahvah had called him. Yahvah looked beyond Timothy's youth, timidity, and physical weakness and saw his sincere heart.
As you seek to follow Yahvah's will, you may identify with Timothy. Perhaps some things about you seem to disqualify you from serving the Lord effectively. You may be sensitive because you are a new Brother or because you come from a sinful past. Perhaps you have little education or money or social status. You may have previously experienced failure in your service for Yahvah. Don't allow this to intimidate you from following Yahvah's will. Your area of weakness may be Yahvah's means of demonstrating His strength ( 2Co 12:9) Allow Yahvah to demonstrate His call upon you by transforming your life into a model of righteousness.
