Many centuries ago the Apostle Paul found it necessary to write to his young minister Timothy…”let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity.”

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This we encore and say wholeheartedly to our youth population today. Because of age, many young persons are looked down upon with disrespect. This ought not to be so. Older people should give young people the opportunity to earn respect through character. We should all learn the skills of treating each age group well, especially within the Church.

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The Apostle told Timothy to set an example in speaking well, instead of using foolish or careless talk; to conduct himself in such a way above reproach; living a honorable life that matched what he professed; showing genuine love and selfless care towards others. He went on further, encouraging him to serve with enthusiasm and with passion; to remain loyal in faith, trusting God through challenges and lastly keeping himself pure by living a clean moral life.

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The period of growth from puberty to young adulthood can be fraught with immature behaviour, rebellion to authority, disrespect to elders, self absorption, conformity to peer pressure, indifference to serious issues, a fixation on fun at the expense of other things and other person’s well-being. The Apostle Paul, knew this and steers Timothy away from these behaviour patterns, to God’s standard in His Word, so that God may be glorified.