Living by Faith as a young believer.
1Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
As a young believer, it is important to understand that Faith and faithfulness, while closely related, differ in their focus. Faith is the belief and assurance in God's word and all that He has done. Faithfulness, on the other hand, is the act of living in alignment with that truth. In essence, faith serves as the foundation that leads to faithfulness.
Serving God in one's youth establishes a solid foundation for life, enabling divine guidance in decision-making. By entrusting your path to God, who possesses perfect wisdom, you open yourself to His direction. The benefits of serving God during adolescence include the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, experiencing joy even amidst adversity, and living a life filled with purpose. Hebrews 10:39. But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. This confidence arises from the belief that God would protect His elect and that there are innumerable individuals with genuine faith among God's audience.
Young believers often face challenges in establishing their credibility and also not being taken seriously due to their age. It can be disheartening when their earnest commitment to Christ is met with scepticism. However, it is crucial to remember that one’s age should not dictate their worth or devotion to God.
In 1Timothy 4:12, we find both encouragement and guidance. This verse serves as a reminder that youth should not diminish our value in the eyes of others. Instead, we are called to exemplify our faith to fellow believers through our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. These virtues transcend age and are indicators of a mature, Christ-centered life. This passage challenges us to rise above societal expectations and to embody God’s love, grace, and truth through our actions.
As we grow in our faith, we strive to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. By spending time in His presence, meditating on His Word, and seeking His guidance, our understanding of His character and His love for us becomes more profound. This, in turn, strengthens our Faith and trust in Him enabling us to align our will with His will. Jeremiah 29: 11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end".
Although being young in faith can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when our perspectives are overlooked, these moments evolve and provide us with opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. It affords one the opportunity to be dedicated to deepening one's relationship with Christ and living out the faith intentionally while firmly believing and understanding that age does not constrain one’s capacity to reflect Christ’s love or to influence others for His Kingdom.
To embody the qualities outlined in 1Timothy 4:12, the young believers should be committed to taking intentional steps in their belief and their faith journey by strictly observing/adhering to these steps -
1.Studying God's word by dedicating time each day to reading and reflecting on Scripture, seeking wisdom and guidance through God’s teachings.
2. Praying and Reflecting on the word is central to every spiritual walk because these two equips believers with the strength and clarity needed for every situation.
3. Having deep seated Spiritual Mentors is a very profound step to follow because actively surrounding self with experienced believers who provide wisdom and support is a must have as a believer in other to be able to navigate life’s challenges.
4. Embracing and Practicing humility is extremely important one's growth in faith. Prov 22:4 This passage conveys a sense of modesty and meekness, reflecting the ancient near eastern understanding of humility as not just an attitude but a way of life that recognizes one's position before God and others. Humility, often misconceived as weakness, is, in biblical terms, a strength rooted in acknowledging one's dependence on God. The "rewards" mentioned indicate that God honors those who embrace humility, aligning their lives with His will and purpose. True humility is not self-deprecation, but rather a profound understanding of one's place in the divine order, which leads to both spiritual and material blessings. Embracing humility provides a learning path from both successes and setbacks.
5. Living with Integrity: Always strive for consistency in your words and actions, ensuring that every of your conduct aligns with the teachings of Christ.
While you may be young, it is absolutely right to swim in confidence that God has a purpose for you in this season of life. As humans, we will never have all the answers, but trusting in His plan is a must for every believer who is desirous of embracing the process of growth and transformation according to God's plan. The expectation is to understand that age is not an obstacle to a life fully devoted to Christ, and that through faith and commitment, we can make a significant impact.
In this our pilgrims voyage, discovering comfort in the sufficiency of God’s love and grace is the ultimate dream as we look forward to how He will utilize us to bring light and hope to others. By our faithfulness, belief and trust in God, we will inspire others to seek Christ and experience the joy of living a life rooted in Him. With every step we take, we should endeavor to serve as a typical example of God’s love, faith, and purity—regardless of age or appearance.
In conclusion, as a younger believer, you may be shocked and confused by what you encounter, but remember to "have faith in God. What may seem difficult to you is effortless for God. Place your trust in His infinite power by exercising your faith. What is impossible for humans is possible for Him.
Young believers should not rely on any religion that does not inspire them to produce good works. Christ has taught us to walk and pray with faith, which can be understood as the powerful faith bestowed upon all true Christians, a faith that accomplishes remarkable things in spiritual matters.
I pray that God Almighty will always give us the strength to grow in faith. Amen
Bro Bruno Njoku