May the mumbling commence!
We cannot change who we are. But God can change us if we pray earnestly, listen, and obey.
There are certain factors in our lives that are set. You may be young or old. God can use you regardless if you are faithful to the call of the Spirit.
How does this pan out? Relationships have a lot to do with it. Read from First Timothy.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. (4:12-5:2)
Do not allow anyone to look down on you if you are young (or old or middle-aged). Make no mistake; there will be people who will look down their noses at you. Do not internalize these sometimes hurtful stereotypes. We do not receive our self image for the thoughts of other but from our relationship to God.
How do we defuse these hurtful people’s attacks? Be an example – in speech, in love, in faith, and in purity. Be above reproach. Show the people around you that any personal attacks are without merit. Our display must be built upon the attitudes of our hearts, the words of our mouths, the actions of our faith. All things that we think, say and do must have pure motives.
That is a tall task! How will we approach that?!? Be devoted to a Christian community. Read Scripture together. Meditate on it. Preach and listen to others preach. Teach and listen to others teach.
Be diligent and persevere. That is the key to success when it comes to obedience to God’s Word. God’s Word will not only save us but will also save those who listen to us.
Finally, be careful how you relate to one another. If you are young, do not be harsh with your elders. If you are old, do not dismiss the wisdom of a youth. In this case, there is a father-and-son-like relationship. Treat your peers as brothers and sisters. Maintain that purity. It is what God calls us to.
Change my heart, O God. May my attitudes and thoughts be purified by listening and obeying Your Word in the context of Your family. May I not neglect the gifts that God has given me and that the church has called forth from me.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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