Our Daily Bread Teens EditionChikamu

Read 1 Timothy 4:9–16

9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 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. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Just Kids

After secondary school, a boy joined the military and started training to be a pilot. When World War II went into full swing, he had to do work usually given to older and more experienced pilots. Years later, whenever he talked about the huge planes he worked with, he would say, “We were all just kids flying those things!”

The Bible contains many stories of young people living for God. Despite their youth, they followed Him bravely, even when it meant doing things they’d never done before.

One great example is David. When he chose to fight the Philistine giant Goliath, he was just a teenage shepherd boy. Despite being warned, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine . . . you are only a young man” (1 Samuel 17:33), he did—and won.

And how about Mary, the mother of Jesus? She was probably only a teenager when she was told she would give birth to the Son of God. Yet, despite being so young—and probably afraid—she told the angel, “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).

Likewise, Paul told the young church leader Timothy, “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” (1 Timothy 4:12). Being young doesn’t mean we can’t live for God and expect Him to do great things in our lives. Even if others look down on us for our inexperience, our first call is to trust God. He can use anyone. The Bible proves it! —DM

It’s never too early to start serving God.

Thinking It Over

How is God calling you to serve Him today? How can you find out?

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