When you think of youth, you probably imagine teenagers or children, but for today’s post, I’m talking about all new Christians, no matter their age. The physically young and the spiritually young. We all should teach them and help them grow in their faith. But how do we do that? By looking at Paul and Timothy’s relationship.
Paul wrote Timothy two letters that are included in the Bible: 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. From these letters, we get a good idea of Paul’s relationship with Timothy. Paul was a spiritual mentor. Have you ever had a spiritual mentor? Even if you don’t feel led to mentor someone, you can still help a new Christian grow in their faith by remembering the acronym Y.O.U.T.H.
Y – Young
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. – 1 Timothy 4:12
A lot of times we discount youth because they’re young. They don’t have as much experience, and people often don’t take them seriously. But Paul encouraged Timothy to use his talents despite what others may say.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. – 1 Timothy 4:14-16
God can use old and young alike, and we should never underestimate Him. Like Paul, we should encourage young Christians to study the Word but also to act upon it, even if others discourage them. Every Christian needs to balance, though, between studying God’s Word and serving. We all need to spend time learning the Word.
O – Open
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. – 1 Timothy 1:12-16
Paul is open about his past and Christ’s redemption. He acknowledges he’s still a sinner (v.15) and says he is “a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him.” By being open with youth, we can not only encourage them not to fall into the same temptation we have but also encourage them to come to us with a problem. When we try too hard to pretend like we’re perfect, we won’t be as approachable or relatable. We need to be authentic and honest about our failures.
U – Understanding
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. – 2 Timothy 1:5
Paul knows Timothy’s background and his foundation of faith. There’s no mention of Timothy’s father, but in 2 Timothy 1:2, Paul calls Timothy his “dearly beloved son.” Paul seemed to understand Timothy needed a father figure, whether because his own father was dead or was an unbeliever.
By taking the time to understand the youth, we’re better able to see what they need, what areas they struggle in. Everyone has different struggles, and we often project our own problems onto someone else. That can hinder us from forming a relationship or even reaching them. When we better understand what a young Christian has come from and what they’re going through, we can take that into account when counseling them, when encouraging them, and when praying for them.
T – Thankful
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; – 2 Timothy 1:3
Paul thanked God for Timothy. Wouldn’t that be humbling to know that someone thanked God for you? That they were glad God brought you into their lives? That they thought of you often? Youth need that encouragement, but we don’t always give it to them.
Youth are a gift, not a burden. Yes, they take work. They need training. They make mistakes. But young Christians can help us in our walk just as much as we help them. They can remind us of the joy of our salvation. They can remind us that God’s salvation is a precious gift. They can remind us of the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice. Not only should we be thankful that we get a chance to work with them but also thankful for each and every victory in their lives.
H – Heart
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:20-22
Not only did Timothy have to be be diligent, but all followers of Christ much check their hearts and avoid sin., especially when working with youth. You can’t teach them if you aren’t willing to do what you’re teaching. You also need to be right with God when working with them. It’s about so much more than being a good role model. It’s about having the right attitude.
There are small ways to serve youth and big ways. We don’t all have to be a personal spiritual mentor. We could just lend a listening ear, give a word of encouragement, or give a new Christian an opportunity to serve in the church. Either way, it’s important to be there for new Christians and help them in their journey, whether they’re 8, 18, or 80.
