by Kevin V. Rutherford

It was just yesterday that I was a teenager fit, strong, happy, and full of the exuberance of youth. I'm still happy, but much has changed in me. Some of the most enjoyably and exciting days of my life occurred when I was in my teens and early twenties. God has blessed me now, and I don't want to go back in time, but I do recognize the special time in our lives sometimes referred to as "youth." Paul said, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12)."

Older people need to be careful about their attitudes toward youth. It is possible for those who are older to develop such a negative attitude toward the young that they drive the young from them. When that is done, the older cannot help the younger. Sometimes it seems some older people have forgotten that they were young once. On the other hand, the younger must make sure that they respect the older, and that they behave in such a way as to earn the respect of the older. How can the young earn the respect of others? The can do so by following 1Timothy 4:12. When young people implant this passage in their hearts they will become examples to others, both young and old.

Young people can be respected when they are examples to believers in word. Those who are young can teach others what the Bible says. They can encourage other people with good words. When they use their tongues wisely they can be a great source of strength, encouragement, and example to others. However, those young people who want to fill their mouths with foul language, dirty jokes, or crude remarks are going to have a difficult time earning the respect of the respectable. If they are rude, and "smart-alec" in their response to others (especially adults) they will not be examples to others. In fact, they will find out very quickly that they are making life more difficult for themselves.

Young people can earn the respect of the old by being good examples in conduct also. The young can choose to do good with their time, lives, and actions. Young people can decide to follow the Lord, participate in church work, and help others. Or, they can choose to spend their time behaving arrogantly, foolishly, and immorally. Those who want to be respected by others, and who want to please the Lord will set themselves forth as examples in good conduct.

Young people must also be examples in love. Sometimes our culture puts pressure upon the young to resist having a loving heart. Some believe that loving people are weak people. However, those who are the most loving, are often the most loved. We all need love. We all need others to help us. To decide to shut ourselves up in a world void of any true affection and love is to choose to hurt ourselves. We will hurt ourselves both now and in the future. Young people must behave in a loving manner.

Young people must also be examples in spirit. This has to do with attitude. In some circles young people give the impression that they will be more accepted by others their age if they have a bad attitude. The individual that is very laid back, lazy, and has an "I don't care" spirit about him is considered as one who has everything under control. The reality of life is that such an attitude will retard the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual development of the young person. Energetic, active, and involved children are happier.

Paul also told Timothy to be an example in faith. Faith comes from the word of God (Romans 10:17). Our youth need to be taught the Word of God. The Bible needs to implanted deeply within their hearts. They must choose to read, study, and apply the truth. Furthermore, adults must spend much time in teaching them. Many have observed the terrible rate at which young people are leaving the church. Some have concluded they are leaving the church because the church didn't provide enough entertainment for them. The reality is that they are leaving the church because they have never known enough Bible to be truly convicted of the truth. When they young drink freely and frequently from the Word of God they will be examples in faith.

In order for young people to be good examples to others they must also be those who are pure. There are so many impure influences placed upon the old and the young in our culture. The influence of impurity and immorality is in the movies, music, and T.V. shows, and cartoons that are targeted toward the young. The immoral influence upon the young is seen in the unchaste pictures of men and women that are found in nearly every store. The young are influenced by evil on the internet, and sin in their friends. In all of these ways and more the devil has brought a full frontal assault against the innocence of youth. Young people must work very hard to focus on those things that are pure (Philippians 4:8). Parents can help them in this by knowing what music, movies, etc they are listening to or watching. Parents must then set firm limits and reinforce those limits. The hearts of our children are at stake.

Youth is a wonderful time of life. It can be a time of joy, hope, and eager anticipation for the future. Or, youth can be a miserable disaster with choices made that will adversely affect the future. May the young strive hard to implant and apply the principles of 1Timothy 4:12. May the old encourage them in that endeavor, by example, teaching, and active involvement in the lives of the young. May God bless our youth.