Mar. 13: Too Young?

I recently spent some time with a bunch of teenagers who are excited about the difference God’s love and forgiveness has made in their lives and they want others to experience what they have. Their enthusiasm is contagious. They are not trying to force anyone to be like them, or believe like them. They are simply living joy-filled lives and making everyone around them wonder why they are so different than most the young people they read about or see on TV. They are excited to tell that their relationship with Jesus makes all the difference in their lives.

My young friend Tommy has his employer’s respect because of his enthusiasm and work ethic. He is a boss’s dream because of his punctuality, the attitude (even joy) with which he does his work, the positive way he relates to, and works with, his “teammates” in the food service industry. Tommy lives by Biblical wisdom: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

I read recently that in Asia many of the churches that meet in homes are led by teenagers. The young people are hearing the Good News about Jesus and are leading the way in encouragement, worship and sharing the Gospel with others.

Timothy was a young man when the Apostle Paul handed off his ministry to him and gave this advice:
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) It is exciting to see young people setting a different standard of conduct, living by a more positive value system, from the one we usually see modeled in the media, or endorsed by young celebrities and entertainers. For many of them the difference is Jesus. What makes the big difference in your life?

~ Father, thank you for the example and passion of so many young Christians. Protect their steps and sustain their growth. Use them to strengthen Your Family of Faith. Encourage them in spirit today. Amen.