Youth

Youth

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"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity,”

I Timothy 4:12, NIV.

As I sit on my front porch staring at the trees, I am amazed at the seemingly centurion-like line they form. The pine tree in the distance looks old. Pine branches droop a bit, giving it the illusion of age. Whereas the pine tree closest to me is vibrant. The tree in the middle is not a pine but benefits from their protection from wind and soil erosion.

These trees in their single file formation, remind me of those who walk in front and behind us on our paths of righteousness. Those ahead, are clearing out the weeds and the webs. If we walk closely behind them, we won’t need to repeat that task. The benefits of a mentor.

We, the older generation, gain from those behind us, too. Their youthful mentality, understanding and take on life from their age viewpoint can be refreshing. We can be restored as we soak in their enthusiasm for life. (This works as long as we don’t look down on them.) This is one of the benefits from having mentees. The older generation of faithful stewards need the youth and their vitality. The youth need the older ones who can give life experience to supplement their studies, as we go before them clearing the path. We need each other to finish our tasks well.

However, if ego takes precedence over our desire to please God, we could end up walking shoulder-to-shoulder on this narrow path designed for one. With pride leading our way, we bump each other off the road, because we believe we know best. We have failed to realize that we all have things to learn from other believers.

I need younger women in my life. They bring an insight I do not have. And I love listening to my seniors—who have gone before me showing me that I don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If I can learn from their histories, I don’t have to repeat the sins that so easily entangle us.

When I was a new believer my mentor answered my questions to the best of her abilities. I don’t remember many answers, but I do recall the way she answered me. It was filled with love. No judgment, just someone who understood a new believer.

I do remember one question, and it just so happens to be the same question one of my sons asked in his formative years—How do you know if you committed the unforgivable sin? The sin that grieves the Holy Spirit? She said the same thing to me, that my husband said to our son—if you’re asking the question you haven’t committed the sin. Asking the question is an indicator that you don’t desire to grieve God. So, you haven’t committed the unforgivable sin.

Someone who has grieved God, doesn’t ask that question. They don’t care if they have or haven’t.

Let us continue to ask questions of one another and pray that we will hear with humble ears.

Are we actively walking with someone, as a mentor, disciplining them? Is someone walking with you, helping you grow closer to God?

Father,

Thank You for the growth and wisdom we gain from those around us. Many speak truth, but when it’s delivered with pride, we tend to want to ignore it. Help me to walk in an open-handed posture to learn, ready to accept all truth from and about You regardless of the age of the deliverer.

You are using all of us to make disciples and to glorify You in doing so.

Help us to value those around us. Help us to love others more than we love ourselves.

Help us to love You the most.

Amen.