Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12)
THERE WAS NEVER a dull moment working at Hamilton’s Men’s Clothing Store in my hometown. Mr. Hamilton had a staff of a few dedicated adults who joined him in modeling a solid work ethic for a stable full of high school and college-aged students. To Mr. Hamilton, being young meant only that you should carry more energy and enthusiasm into the workplace. You were expected to treat every customer with the utmost respect. You were expected to be quick on the uptake to give a reliable inventory count, learn the proper operation of a cash register and calculator, offer an accurate discount for sale or bulk purchases, and to get to work on time and in good form. Idle hands were not an option.
Some early Christians apparently felt that idly waiting for Jesus to return was the best way to spend their time. But Paul had other advice for his protégé Timothy: Get busy and set an example. Being a believer only meant that you should carry more energy and enthusiasm in following Jesus right here and now. Idle hands were not an option.
That kind of activity will not distract us from hearing God. If anything, filling our lives in doing His everyday agenda will make us more sensitive to God’s signals today.
Choose one way you will set an example for other believers today.
Steve Wamberg is a husband, dad, writer, and pastor who loves his family, preaching, teaching, music, coffee, friends, and Nebraska football.
