Anchor Devotional

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Ahhh… Youth!

“Command and teach these things. 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.” 1 Timothy 4:11-12

The Bible places much value on the wisdom that comes with years—“a long obedience in the same direction,” as author Eugene Peterson put it in 1980. Job said in his humbled reply to the Lord, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (12:12)

But we must not dismiss wisdom and godliness simply because of the youthful age of the one who possesses them. Young Pastor Timothy displayed such character. Paul encouraged him not to let naysayers discourage him from leading simply because he lacked gray hair on his head. Instead, Paul urged Timothy to live out his faith and set a good example in every area of life.

Let no young person in God’s church be discounted because of their age or deemed unqualified to serve and learn. The gifts of the young may bless the body of Christ as much as the gifts of the aged. We do not want to worship youth, as may be seen in Hollywood, professional sports, music recording, and so on. For within the body of Christ, our youth have the greatest of value as children of God.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Isaiah 46:3-4

INSIGHT
Father, we thank You for the gifts You have given our young people. Help us to encourage them in the confident exercise of those gifts. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Samuel 7-8
Psalm 139
Philippians 3-4

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