Devotion 2

"You're just a kid. You'll understand when you grow up."

Anyone ever say something like that to you? Bet it ticked you off, didn't it? Sure, there are things to learn, but that doesn't mean you're clueless. It's good to admit that you always have room to grow and learn, respecting people older than you; but you already have a pretty good grasp on some things. And here's the real kicker: sometimes beong young is an advantage in matters of faith. You have less to lose, less wories, and less experience to jade you and kill your optimism and hopefulness. You believe that the world can be changed. And it can.

1 Timothy 4:12-16:

Let nno man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 'Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

The Apostle Paul has poured his time and wisdom into this younger guy named Timothy. Paul believed not just in Timothy's potential to be a great leader but also in his ability right then and there. Timothy was given a list of things to which to devote himself, spiritual disciplines or godly characteristics. But what is the point of being a good follower of Christ? His life is to serve as an example to others in his community. People both young and old in his circle of influence should be inspired and motivated to live out their salvation due to Timothy's example.

Christ is calling you to devote yourself to there things, too. With God's help, through Christ's Spirit inside of you, you can live in a way that makes a difference. The point is not to just be a better person. The point is definately not to fell better about yourself or think you are better than other people. It's not about "getting it." It's about encouraging others to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Can other people in your church, youth group, sunday school, children's church, or circle of friends look to your example and see how to live by faith? Is your salvation evident to everyone or are you neglecting the gift of God's Spirit in your life. His Spirit gives all of His people the power to follow Him faithfully.