The Glory and Challenge of Being a Youth (by Amber Sweeney)

I love the vigor and passion that exist in youth. It is in our youth we find the ability to say "I can do anything." Nothing seems impossible. The unbridled innocence and fearlessness inspire new thoughts and ideas to explore. I believe that's one of the things the Holy Spirit loves about children and young people. They don't talk themselves out of things God has asked them to do with reason and earthly logic. The challenge comes when we are asked to step into a place of leadership while we are still in our youth. Our minds and eyes are suddenly open to things we haven't yet seen or experienced and it can seem overwhelming or frustrating. That frustration, however, forces a deeper dependency on the Lord, which of course, He loves. It is in that dependency our passion and fearlessness grow and remain.

Paul writes to Timothy, a younger man in comparison to those he is ministering with in his city, "And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (The Message) The whole first book of Timothy is a letter of advice from Paul to a young man he is clearly mentoring in life. There's a special relationship of trust and vulnerability they have which allows Paul to be completely honest with Timothy as he grows in his leadership, and in his relationship with Jesus. I believe that we are meant to have these kinds of relationships in this day, too.

The thing we focus on too often is the line "don't let anyone put you down because you're young." It's become a trite saying. What Paul says directly following that line is to teach with our lives and later he addresses any insecurities or doubts that may exist in Timothy's heart by saying "And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed -- keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!" 1 Timothy 4: 14-15 (The Message) Paul is speaking encouragement into Timothy because he's doubting his call due to critiques and wonderings over his age. How many times have we done this in our own lives? It's not always easy to step into the roles God has asked us to step into. It's not really meant to be easy -- it's meant to produce relationship between us and the Lord.

We are truly meant to approach everything with that sense of wonder and dependency, but the Lord does also ask us to mature. Maturity comes when we encounter the Holy Spirit and allow him to develop our minds in Christ. We'll discover the paradox of innocence and maturity in that encounter -- and it will be marvelous.

There is also merit to be given to the experience of those who have gone before us. Too often, youth find themselves challenged by the experience of those older than they are. I know I have been frustrated by the religious "wisdom" given by elders in the church when I was younger. It is important to hear council and take it back to the Holy Spirit so we can see what He's trying to teach us. I should also point out here that there is a difference between religious wisdom and true council.

In the times of King David, there was a ten year apprenticeship that the worshipers and priests went through before they were appointed to their positions. It started around the age of 20 until about 30. In those ten years, the apprentice learned how to serve the Lord. They spent time learning about the nature of God and learned how to express their worship with great precision on their various instruments and voices. It sounds like a long time, but it goes by so quickly and produces a depth of relationship with the Lord that allows for those revelations we so desperately need from Him in order to become the beloved He designed us to be. We don't necessarily need a ten year apprenticeship program, but we do need to understand that we need time to develop and grow.

The greatest challenge young people have in life is that most of their opinions are not founded in experience -- or even their relationship with the Lord. When we're young, it's easy to judge and say that something is missing and then try to force a change that becomes counterproductive and leaves us defeated. We act on our opinions and feelings instead of responding out of our spirits with God. We let our passion and vigor get ahead of us instead of resting in the Holy Spirit and learning how to use those tools effectively. That's what I love about this letter Paul writes. He encourages Him to keep his eyes focused on Jesus and to continue living in the Spirit so that the gifting God gave him can be cultivated and matured. Paul is helping Timothy find out how to be more than just a leader, but an effective son of God.

Even the greatest of athletes need coaches, the greatest actors need directors, the greatest singers still need vocal trainers, top politicians still need advisors, and ceo's still go to training seminars. We never stop learning because no two days or two moments are the same -- hence the need to remain innocent and not rely on ourselves but the Lord's wisdom and His truth. It is only in Christ we'll find the true balance of living with childlike faith and maturing into the fullness of who we are. It is a paradox that all of us, young or old need to remain dependent on the Lord to understand. And we get to have a great deal of fun doing it!


Blessings,
~ Amber