June 28, 2021
Inadequacy
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 4:7 NLT)
Beloved, nothing makes you feel more unqualified, even unwilling to lead than inadequacy. Timothy was a protégé of the apostle Paul. He must have felt a lot like Moses whom God called to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian captivity. Moses felt inadequate for the job, (Exodus 4:10) and I can only imagine Timothy did too! There are many reasons why Timothy might have felt unqualified to accept his assignment as Pastor at the church of Ephesus. He was young, had no experience and the church was too large for a first-time Pastoral assignment. (1 Timothy 4:12) How in the world could he take Paul’s place who was the founder? Would anyone take him seriously?
Forget all that, Paul tells him in his letter, ‘if you follow my instructions, you will be more than able to do the job. (1 Timothy 1:18, 4:16) Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth and inexperience. Be a godly example, then no one can treat you with anything but respect. God doesn’t choose leaders based on their natural talents and abilities. God gives each of us different talents and natural abilities. He expects us to use them for His glory and work in the world. (Exodus 31:1-7) Some people think they don’t have any talents, but God doesn’t make any no-talent people. Scientific studies have shown that the average person has around 500 innate abilities. The key is discovering and developing them and finding ways to use them. God did not give you talents and abilities for your benefit. They are for the benefit of other people, and their talents are for the benefit of you. I am so grateful for people who are talented in areas that I’m not good at.
Nor does God choose you based on your age and experience. As Paul told Timothy, God chooses leaders based on their availability, not their ability; on their willingness to walk in obedience to Him, not their experience. Obedience is better than sacrifice because obedience reflects a heart that’s in love with Jesus. “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (John 14:23)
