Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
What were you doing at age ten? Probably not graduating from college. But a boy named Michael did just that.
Nobody told Michael Kearney that he was too young. He was teaching college classes before he was old enough to drive.[1] Michael’s story reminds us of something God has been communicating for centuries, and it’s this: youth is never a barrier for God. While Michael never heard that he was too young, many people in the Bible did—and they struggled with it.
When God called a young man named Jeremiah to speak for Him, Jeremiah said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” God responded, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young’ … you must go wherever I send you” (Jeremiah 1:7-8). Another youth helping to tell others about Jesus was instructed “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young” (1 Timothy 4:12a).
Scripture contains many stories of young lives that God used for great good. The prophet Samuel was called by God as a child (1 Samuel 3:1-10). A boy named Josiah was crowned king at age eight and led his people back to God at age 16 (2 Chronicles 34:1-3). David was an overlooked shepherd boy that God chose as king—because God looks at a person’s heart, not their outward qualifications (1 Samuel 16:7-13). And, amazingly, God chose a teenage girl named Mary, to give birth to the Savior of the world (Luke 1:26-38).
Are you young—or do you have young people in your life? Remember: God speaks to people of any age who listen and spiritual awakening can begin with the young! He’s looking for young hearts who will say, “Yes!” to Him.
[1] Praderio, Caroline. “12 Brilliant Kids Who Started College by the Time They Were 12.” Business Insider, March 22, 2018.
