To All My Youngins

The YouVersion Bible App sent out the daily bible verse last Thursday:

“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.”

That’s 1 Timothy 4:12 folks. What a great spirit booster for all the young people out there! (I would say 90s babies – but we getting kinda old.) Anyway, this scripture is really encouraging for those who feel discouraged to contribute to, or be involved in the Christian community because they haven’t reached the ripe age of *insert age that is older the age they are now*

Now, I’m not gonna lie – it’s kind of intimidating to live this out especially if you don’t know how. So, let’s take a look at how young believers can be an example to all (yes all) believers:

1. Value God’s voice over everything: A lot of people are scared to live for Christ in their youth because being young is supposed to be the time for having fun — and you can’t have fun and live for Christ. (And apparently when you get older, you are incapable of having fun — so you live for Christ. I don’t know who started this but it’s a LIE.) Anyway, I’d like to argue that in fact, being young is the perfect time to start valuing God’s voice over everything. When you value God’s voice, His word, His instructions over everything – you start to do things that the world said was impossible because of your age. Wanna know why? Because God doesn’t rob you of “fun” or let age get in the way of His plan for your life! Got it?

2. Purify your space: That goes for your friend group, the words that come out of your mouth, the television you watch, the people you follow, the thoughts in your mind, and the music you listen to. Purity doesn’t only apply to whether you are sexually active – but rather, all those things I mentioned prior, plus more.

3. Build community: This one was hard for me personally, especially because I don’t really like meeting new people, or being around a lot of people all the time. But, community is so important because it allows you to connect with people your age who aren’t sugarcoating the struggles of a young Christian. Trust me, it’s a lot better when you get a good group of people who can pray/fight with and for you, as well as challenge you to be more intentional with your faith.

4. Be intentional: With your relationship with God and your relationship with his children. Don’t let your words and your actions contradict each other. I’m not telling you to be perfect – because we can’t be. (That’s what our relationship with Jesus is for.) I’m saying be about your business.

5. Choose joy: Ah, shameless plug to my previous blogpost – but choosing joy is truly a life-changer for a young believer… especially on a college campus. (Jesus be a grade curve – HALLELUJAH!)

Truth be told, there is no better time to live as an example for all believers than in right now. Why not start walking in your purpose now? Why not exercise purity in all aspects of your life now? Why not influence future generations by the way you live now?

Don’t let the opinions of others turn you away from the life God called you to live just because you are young. So, to end, I ask the question I always seem to ask with these kind of posts – why wait?

Peace +GLOW Always,

"How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word."

-Psalms 119:9 NLT

#choosejoy #thehowtoseries #mindset