“Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in moral purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12(AMP)
Can I be honest with you? I’ve always had this unspoken insecurity about my age. It seems like I’ve always been the youngest in everything I’ve wanted to do, especially in regards to ministry. It felt like God was asking things of me that He wasn’t asking of other people my age. I felt like my age disqualified me from certain opportunities. But most of all, I felt like most people didn’t take me seriously.
For you, maybe it’s not that you feel too young. Maybe you feel too old, too late, too small, too shy. We all have something that makes us pause before the giant leap of faith God sets before us to step into our calling.
I would think back to this verse in 1 Timothy. And honestly, it almost frustrated me more. It says don’t let other people look down on you. How could I help how people perceived me? How could I make them see me as anything other than a little girl? How could I not let them look down on me?
The rest of the verse answers that question. It basically says show them otherwise. My age wouldn’t matter if I followed God’s instruction in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. My age couldn’t hold me back as long as I pursued God’s leading. Just like your insecurity can’t hold you back when you begin to follow through on what God told you to do.
God knew how old I was when He placed the dreams, and gifts, and calling on my life. Just like He knew who you were when He called you. He didn’t miscount. His didn’t slip up. God’s perception of you is that you can do this. For the people around you that don’t believe you can, prove them wrong. For the thoughts in your mind that say you can’t, prove them wrong. For the fears that try to tell you it won’t work, prove them wrong. Boldly execute the tasks God asked you to do. Because people can’t doubt you once it’s done.
You’re not too young. You’re not too old. You’re not too quiet. You’re not too poor. You’re not too late. You’re not too uneducated. You’re not too anything God didn’t already account for when He called you to do the job only you can do. So don’t let any excuse weigh you down. Do the job. Witness to the person. Love the unlovable. Donate the money. Help the friend. Go on the mission’s trip. Be the example.
The verse says let no one look down on you… that includes you. Prove the labels wrong. Be who God called you to be.
Be Blessed!
Jordan Smith
Jordan W. Smith 