Let No One Discount or Disqualify You
By Keneesha Saunders-Liddie
“Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” - I Timothy 4:12
I got saved at the tender age of 9. It was a moment I have never forgotten because it shaped who I am. Because I was the pastor’s daughter, there were standards that I had to live up to. At a young age I was the one teaching Children’s Bible club and a Sunday school class. I truly can’t recall a time where the adults in the church felt I was ill-equipped to play the roles. However, this wasn’t the case with Timothy.
Timothy was a young believer in Christ, Paul encouraged him to do his best for God. The special thing about him was his maternal parents and their influence on his life. His grandmother, Lois and mother, Eunice were instrumental in teaching Timothy about God.
Timothy’s parents were believers in Christ; their faith and trust in God were rock solid. They chose to pass on their beliefs to young Timothy who then became a faithful man of God. Paul was persuaded of the faith that was in them and if Paul was convinced; then we know it must be true.
Paul wanted Timothy to know that despite his youth, if God had called him, he would qualify him for the position. It shouldn’t matter what others say because God’s purpose for your life will be fulfilled.
Have you ever been in a situation like Timothy? God has blessed you with something special, but those around you don’t want to hear from you?
Today, as you are reading, right now is the time to turn it all over to Jesus. Sometimes, there are people who refused to move out of positions long after they have lost usefulness.
I’m thankful that every church that I have been blessed by God to be a part of, always has encouraging members and elders.
God has called you because you are young and strong and what he has gifted you with is going to help that local church whether the members realize it or not.
Here’s what Paul wants you to do, to show them that God has equipped you to perform the duties that need to be performed.
He wants us to be examples. Let me interject here that this is not just for young people but anyone who God has called to a specific purpose to help build his kingdom and glorify him. Paul wants us to be examples in every aspect of our lives to those who are looking at us in doubt. Give them no reason to judge you. Let them wonder at the wonderful relationship you have with God. Take each day moment by moment and let your testimony be your resume.
No one can discount you or disqualify you from your purpose in the church when you are an example to those that are younger and older than you. Take every day one step at a time and put God first.
To all the mothers, aunties, godmothers, grandmothers and every other mother, you can play a special part in the life of a young Timothy today. Raising kingdom men and women is a responsibility we should never take for granted. Be a Lois and Eunice with the youth and children in your sphere of influence.
Dear Jesus,
You have always chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Help me to remember that the only person who defines me is you. I want to always remember to fulfill the purposes you have set out for me. Quiet the nay-sayers and those who don’t think it’s possible for me to do what you’ve asked. I also want to be an example to my sphere of influence with my family, church and community for you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Keneesha Saunders-Liddie is a writer, avid reader and Jesus lover. She recently started a blog to encourage women to show Christian love to others and to share biblical counsel with anyone who needs it. She firmly believes that the bible has the answers to everything that pertains to life. She is a wife, mother and student. You can connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest.
Looking for authentic conversations about how to deal with body image, insecurity, and comparison issues as a Christian woman? The Compared to Who? Podcast is the show for you! Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like dieting, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, body dysmorphia, and more from a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered perspective.
Originally published Tuesday, 06 September 2022.
SHARE
