Today’s Scripture (happens to be Crosslinks theme scripture! On our new dog tags!)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all
believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your
purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Big Idea
Don’t sit on the sidelines — make a difference in your world today.
Today’s Thought
This has to be one of the coolest verses in the Bible. Sometimes it feels like it’s also one of the most overlooked, doesn’t it?
Our churches are often guilty of telling you — sometimes overtly but usually subtly — that you don’t become a “real” Christian or “real” leader until you’re an adult. We talk about how kids and teenagers are the church of the future — and forget how insulting that can sound to you! You’re the church of today, not just the future!
Some people think you can have less of an impact because you’re young. It just isn’t true. In many ways, you can have more of an impact because you’re young! Way too many adults have been fooled into thinking they can’t make a difference. They’ve become cynical and discouraged. But you’re young enough to believe that with God, all things really are possible! (Pretty sure that’s in the Bible at least once or twice!)
Timothy was a young leader in the early church. We don’t know exactly
how young he was, but Paul talks about his “youth” in several places in his two letters to Timothy. Look at what Paul wrote to Timothy in today’s verse, and imagine if you got similar advice from a well-known church leader you respect.
This leader basically says: “You know what? You can make a difference through your words, your lifestyle, your demonstration of love, your deep, growing faith, and your commitment to purity.”You can be an example to other teenagers! You can be an example to younger kids! You can even be an example to adults!
With God’s help, you can make a difference as an r12 Christian. You and your friends can make a difference. You and your friends and your small group can make a difference. You and your friends and your small group and your youth group can make a difference. (Catch the drift?)
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Big Idea
Don’t sit on the sidelines — make a difference in your world today.
Today’s Thought
This has to be one of the coolest verses in the Bible. Sometimes it feels like it’s also one of the most overlooked, doesn’t it?
Our churches are often guilty of telling you — sometimes overtly but usually subtly — that you don’t become a “real” Christian or “real” leader until you’re an adult. We talk about how kids and teenagers are the church of the future — and forget how insulting that can sound to you! You’re the church of today, not just the future!
Some people think you can have less of an impact because you’re young. It just isn’t true. In many ways, you can have more of an impact because you’re young! Way too many adults have been fooled into thinking they can’t make a difference. They’ve become cynical and discouraged. But you’re young enough to believe that with God, all things really are possible! (Pretty sure that’s in the Bible at least once or twice!)
Timothy was a young leader in the early church. We don’t know exactly
how young he was, but Paul talks about his “youth” in several places in his two letters to Timothy. Look at what Paul wrote to Timothy in today’s verse, and imagine if you got similar advice from a well-known church leader you respect.
This leader basically says: “You know what? You can make a difference through your words, your lifestyle, your demonstration of love, your deep, growing faith, and your commitment to purity.”You can be an example to other teenagers! You can be an example to younger kids! You can even be an example to adults!
With God’s help, you can make a difference as an r12 Christian. You and your friends can make a difference. You and your friends and your small group can make a difference. You and your friends and your small group and your youth group can make a difference. (Catch the drift?)
Don’t sit on the sidelines and let others impact their world. Get involved.
Serve others. Meet real needs in others people’s lives!
Prayer
God, I want to make a difference for You in this world. Let me see some real
needs in the next few days that I can help meet. Use my friends and me for
Your glory. Use our efforts to point people to You and Your love for everyone.
Amen. Prayer
I have to remember it doesn't always need to be big things! Every little thing matters too!
ReplyDeleteI agree! The future counts as much as the present!
ReplyDeleteYou and your friends can make a difference. You and your friends and your small group can make a difference. You and your friends and your small group and your youth group can make a difference. (Catch the drift?) LOL :) - Ryan
ReplyDeleteI love the verse 1 Timothy 4:12 and yes we can all make a difference!- gabby :)
ReplyDeleteRead it :)--Tori Darden
ReplyDelete