there’s much to be said for the “BUT"

1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

This is a verse that is widely used, because it easily empowers young people to not be afraid to step out and do big things for God, not letting their old hold them back.  The second half of the verse is not often a focal point for us, and even is a casualty to the dot-dot-dot every now and then:

(“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young...”)

But it’s important for us young people not to get ahead of ourselves.  No, we shouldn’t let our age stop us from living a bold life for Christ, and we shouldn’t fear advancement/leadership that would be given to us just because we’re young; but often we use this verse in the opposite way it’s intended.  We use it in an arrogant way.  We use it in a way that enables us to reject the wisdom of those who have already been where we are.  The first part is important and inspiring, but the second part is more explanatory... it tells us HOW to do that.

Our young generation is known for thinking we know it all.  We get ourselves into trouble because often in forgetting to take the baby steps of spiritual growth, we are thrusted into being someone who has presented ourselves as this BIG AMAZING CHRISTIAN young person while we still haven't gone through the process of learning integrity and character.  This is where we get hypocrisy, and church scandals, and the things that give the church a bad name.  I’m not saying that is exclusively young people but we definitely contribute.  Much of the older generation sees us heading that direction and wants us to learn and grow in a way that helps us BE who we SAY we are.  Sometimes it may seem knit-picky-sometimes it is-but it’s our job (as Christians, especially if we intend on being any type of influence or leader) to improve our character so that we’re not mentoring people to repeat our flaws and mistakes.  To do this we have to RECOGNIZE that there is room for growth and we don’t, in fact, know EVERYTHING.

The second half of the verse is introduced with a “but”.  It’s significant that it’s not an “and”.  If it were an “and”, then that would mean the thoughts were parallel, or the same idea; but because it’s a “but”, that means that after the “don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” comes a moment of reckoning and an opportunity to view the other side of the spectrum.  This is how we can rightfully not be looked down on because we’re young... be above reproach... we set the example.  Instead of feeling like a victim every time we are confronted about something in our character, we should see it as an opportunity to grow, and not continue to live oblivious to our flaws.  When we live with arrogance and are ignorant to our shortcomings, we invite others to find them for us; when we live humbly and acknowledge that we’re a work in progress and God is still teaching us, people are more likely to encourage us and root for us.


Don’t only be bold in your faith as a young person, but ALSO set the example:

in speech- stop with vulgar/perverse talk, gossip, and work on saying what is RIGHT.  think before you speak and train yourself to filter your words.  the same mouth should not yield blessings AND curses (James 3:10)
in life- live your life purposefully choosing to not raise questions about whether or not you are who you say you are.  live worthy of your calling (Ephesians 4:1-2)
in love- it doesn’t matter how righteous you are in everything you do, without love you’re not accomplishing anything.  ask God to help you fulfill the call to LOVE.  (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)
in faith- bottom line, if you’re constantly worrying and being dramatic about your life’s problems and situations, if you’re constantly a victim, you’re not trusting God.  people will be moved by the faith of someone who overcomes and gives God glory.  (Proverbs 3:5)  I know this to be true, because the greatest testimony of who God is to me is how I am able to be a happy and whole person in spite of what I’ve been through.
and in purity- this is a foreign concept to the world today, so if you’re living in purity, you will stand out.  purity is a battle, honestly (if anyone tells you it’s easy, they’re lying); but it’s so very telling of your spiritual life and your convictions.  if you can sacrifice your own gratifications and instincts, people see that you are doing whatever it takes to live for God.  on the contrary, if you can’t keep this in check, you’re not going to be able to teach others to.

Don’t just TELL others that they can’t assume your spiritually maturity level because you’re young, SHOW them by being unpredictable.  Go against the grain and be who you say you are.  Work on your character behind the scenes so you’re not humbled by the things that come to light about you.  Be humble, and honest that God’s still working in you so that your flaws aren’t a secret... that way people can learn from you even as you grow.