Number 86:  December 13, 2006

There is a verse in the Bible that sets for young people the importance and responsibility of their actions.

I Timothy 4:12:

Let no man despise [think disparagingly of] thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Christian young people are to become examples to believers in these ways. This involves a growing process. It takes time and direction to become an “adult” in these categories.

It starts with developing an innermost depth, an inner quietness and serenity due to God’s Word dwelling in them. Thus, it behooves young people to read and study God’s Word. It is learning knowledge from the Bible which will give young people the understanding and wisdom they need regarding every phase of their life.

They are to be an example in conversation. Biblically this includes their behavior; how they are to conduct themselves in daily living. Their behavior or conduct should manifest the knowledge of God’s Word that is living within them.

A young person’s walk consists of that inner strength and quietness that God’s Word brings. Then it should be manifested in their behavior which is without wavering or fluctuating based on a walk of love, agapē, charity; which is God’s love being manifested in their mind as they think about it, in order to live it each day.

The words “in spirit” are omitted in most Greek texts. In faith, pistis, is better translated believing action. If young people are to become examples, it needs to show up in their actions. They are to become examples of action based on believing God’s Word.

Purity is chastity. From the context it means to keep lustrous, even though they live in this present tarnished world; to not become contaminated by the world’s glitter or allure.

A literal according to usage of this verse is:

Allow no one to think disparagingly of you as a youth. Become a believer’s example in the quietness, serenity and self-composure you have within yourself because of your study and knowledge of the rightly divided Word. Become an example in the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation. Become an example in believing action in your life. Become an example in your uncontaminated leadership.

Young people have been given a great challenge by God’s Word and great responsibility to His Word. In the youth lie wells of abilities and qualities. God commands them to perfect and use their potential to benefit themselves and the entire Church.