Age is Just a Number
by Elaine Medina
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young...”1 Timothy 4:12 |
As a youth, sometimes I don’t see myself as one who is able to accomplish great things. Even now, in writing this article, it makes me worry about what others will think or if they will really give importance to the writing of someone so young. When you really think about it, don’t the words of the pastor sound more significant than that of a child?
In reality, youth are commonly looked down upon. Their words are known to be irrelevant or unsophisticated and it becomes a discouragement. Even though it’s true that children may not be able to do as much as adults, we can still be useful to God. He has given each and everyone of us our own talent. From writing a small article to preaching before a large congregation, in God’s eyes, both are equally significant. You don’t have to be a pastor or an elder in the church to do works for the Lord. You don’t have to be old to be useful to Him because age is just a number.
Just as God had used Timothy, if we are willing, we too can be of use to God.
In 1 Timothy 4:12-14 Paul has this admonition, “Do not neglect your gift which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone my see your progress.” (NIV)
Timothy, although he was young, was able to do many things for the glory of Lord. He spread the word of God diligently without fear or hesitation. We should use our gift willingly as well. Do not neglect what the Lord has entrusted to you.
If your gift is speech, share the Word of God to your classmates and friends. Don’t fret about what they’ll think or believe. What counts is that you did your duty and God is your witness to that. If your gift is making music, hone your skills and play the beat of the drums or sing songs of praise. Let your whole being be an instrument for the Lord. If your gift is writing, write songs, poems, stories or articles for His glory.
Even if you’re not capable of preaching; even if you’re not capable of playing music; even if you’re not capable of writing or drawing, make every effort to see what you can do for the glory of the Lord. |
Write about how God has so perfectly composed your years; every minute and every second, perfectly constructed! If your gift is art, paint with God as your inspiration, presenting to everyone the colors that God has put in your life. There are so many things that you can do!
Even if you’re not capable of preaching; even if you’re not capable of playing music; even if you’re not capable of writing or drawing, make every effort to see what you can do for the glory of the Lord. Simply just cleaning the church is noticed by God. Giving a hand in the pastoral house is a big relief to the ministers and is pleasing to Him. In all the simple little things you do, let God be magnified in you.
As a testimony, I would like to mention what the Lord has given to me. By the grace of God and the supervision of Ptr. Joie, the school principal and others, the Ottawa youth was able to open a youth outreach campus ministry similar to the Timothy Circle. Meeting every Wednesday at lunch, a group of students gather to discuss the matters of God and the Bible. They successfully held their first gathering last April 4th 2007 in Gloucester High School where a good number of students showed up. Even some teachers gave us a visit! Although we are still young, we were able to find a way to reach our schoolmates and peers. Through this ministry, we are able to evangelize the lost!
No matter what your age is, if you are more than willing to be of use to God, He will use you mightily for His glory. Even if you are young or old, serving the Lord is for all ages. Consider it a great privilege serving the Lord with the life and strength that He has given you. To God be all the glory and praises!
On the other side, discovery and exploration have also its shifted in the church. God has equipped us with gifts that we can use for His glory and in completing His eternal plan of salvation. We have different function inside the church. We as members in the church have our own purpose.
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
– Romans 12:5
We are shaped for a purpose and are expected to carry out the best of what He had given us. For this reason, we must therefore understand and learn our purpose and discover the gifts that we received from Him. Exploration begins at this point. Before we can use what we have, we must first explore what we really have. Discover the gifts and talents within you!
