Let no Man Despise Thy Youth

Lately I have been convicted by the Lord. When it comes right down to it, I have to wonder how much of my youthful days have been spent to do nothing else but please the Lord? I recently came across a verse as I was preparing a teaching, it is found in 1 Timothy 4:12-13

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, till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Am I an example of the believers? I am not commanded to be an example to the believers, but rather of the believers. I think as a christian youth in an american world, it is sometimes easy to get side tracked. The cares of this world and the entanglements thereof tend to reach for the younger generation, and many times grab hold. But as I read this verse, I can't help but realize that this verse is dealing with all that I am.

I am to be an example of the believers in,

Word. My speach
Conversation. My lifestyle
Charity. My love
Spirit. That which only God sees.
Faith. For by it, we overcome the world.
Purity. To be available for the Lord at all times.

I am to give attendance to,

Reading. The word, which is as a toe-edged sword peircing the the hardened hearts of men.
Exhortation. So that I may know that which I must turn from.
Doctrine. So that I may know what I must turn to.


Truly, I must deny myself, take up my cross DAILY and follow Him. For if I do not take heed to this verse, I give everyman, who looks on this wretched man that I am, every right to despise my youth.