Let No Man Despise Thy Youth

by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
For the next two weeks, there will be a stronger-than-usual emphasis upon our young people here
at Central. The sermon this morning deals with the danger of “impersonalization and youthful
apostasy,” and follows up last week’s look at special challenges facing our seniors. These are two
sides of the same coin, and they complement each other. We have a children’s sermon this evening
designed to encourage our young people to cultivate a lifelong attitude of faith and humility. Again,
this is designed for adults as well, because all of us must maintain a life-long childlikeness of heart.
Then, next week is our annual Vacation Bible School, featuring classes for all of our young people
as well as our adults. The emphasis on our young people is intentional, and is intended to help
shore up a glaring danger point: Letting people despise our youth.
Paul told the young man Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example
to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, and in purity,” (1 Tim. 4:12).
Young people must be taught to conduct their lives in a manner which contradicts current societal
expectations. In the very areas where young people are expected to fall short, they must
intentionally handle themselves in a godlike, biblical fashion. Notice how this works in actual
practice:

1. In Word: Unfortunately, young people are often expected to be immature and unwise in
   their speech. What they say, is generally regarded as rash, not carefully considered, and not worthy
   of serious attention. For this reason, it is frequently despised and disregarded. Paul is telling
   Timothy to go counter to such expectations. Make others see that what you have to say, is
   thoughtful, mature, and spiritually worthwhile. Young people must control their speech. They must
   consider carefully what they are saying, and make their words positive and impressive. Remember
   that Jesus said, “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,”
   (Matt. 12:37).
2. In Manner of Life: The conduct of young people is not often held to high standards. It is
   typically expected that they will make foolish and dangerous decisions because of their immaturity
   and experience. In the face of these low expectations, Paul raises the bar. He says to the young
   person: Make your life count for Christ! Make your conduct wise and thoughtful. Consider and
   “ponder carefully the path of thy feet,” (Prov. 4:26). “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy
   youth,” (Eccl. 12:1). Strike out on a straight course in life, and maintain it early and often. You
   will confound the expectations of the current culture, but such a course will pay big dividends in
   the long run.
3. In Love: The transient love affairs and shifting affections of young people are often taken
   lightly by their families and friends. They are not generally known for making well-considered
   choices at such a young age. But Paul indicates that who you date says a lot about who you are.
   Are you thinking ahead? Remember that you will probably marry someone that you have dated,
   so be careful who you date. Don’t look entirely on the “outward appearance” but look upon the
   heart. Don’t forget that “grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth Jehovah,
   she shall be praised,” (Prov. 31:30).
4. In Faith: Christian young people must set an example of faithfulness that surprises their
   peers. It surprises most members of the church, because we tend to forget the purity and sincerity
   of youth. Contrary to what is expected, godly young people develop early habits of Bible study
   and appreciation. “Thy word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against thee,” (Ps.
   119:11). Their pure and unpretentious dedication to the church and its work is an inspiration to us
   all.
5. In Purity: It is a sad reality that the world does not expect young people to stay pure
   for long. In fact, impurity is actually encouraged. But Paul reminds Timothy, and all young people,
   that this is an area where young people can shine most of all. “Whosoever shall not receive the
   kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein,” (Mk. 10:15). Young person,
   though all the world may expect otherwise, “Keep thyself pure,” (1 Tim. 5:22)!