Age and Ministry: A Common Struggle
We always hear, “Age ain’t nothing but a number..,” until you are in ministry.
As a young person who has been involved in ministry for quite some time, someone constantly reminds me that I am “young (insert windblown emoji).”
It annoys me to have that reminder as if I am oblivious to my age.
I know I am young, but what is the point of bringing that up?
Age as a Tool for Manipulation
Usually, people would bring up my age when they want me to change my stance or conviction on a particular issue.
They say things like, “You’re young, just give it time,” or “You’re young, so you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
My age is never a problem until they disagree.
Such people use their seniority in an attempt to “school” me in a condescending manner to agree with them.
However, I am glad spiritual maturity is not tied to physical age.
I am glad to know of the countless young lads in the Bible who have been used by the Lord to do great things.
I am glad that Jesus does not wait for a certain age to use us for His Kingdom’s work.
I am glad their opinion of me has no bearing on Christ’s purpose for my life.
Am I saying I know it all or that young people know it all?
Absolutely not.
Still, age is often used to manipulate us to do something we do not desire.
Also, they use age to belittle and make us feel inferior.
Yet, we must remain unmoved by such actions.
Defying Expectations
Many people are probably surprised that young persons are serving the Lord FOR REAL, with a conviction to live right and holy before Him.
They are surprised that young people actually read The Bible and think for themselves outside of what is popular and mainstream.
They are surprised that young people dare to go against the culture’s current and can stand flatfooted on the never-changing truth of God’s Word.
It is funny to me, though, that all of the people who say I am young are “Christians.”
It is truly astonishing.
Nevertheless, I can remain focused on my calling regardless of age because of my strong spiritual foundation.
I may be young, but I will not conform to the pressures of others’ beliefs and opinions.
I guide my life through the Word of God. I keep the Word of God between me and the people.
The Strength and Vitality of Youth in Service to God
Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJV), says, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”
Jesus calls for young people to give Him the days of their youth because those days are full of strength and vitality.
Serving the Lord at this age is my best decision ever.
I could be doing many other things, but I choose Jesus.
I know other young people share the same testimony.
I do not have to find out what the world is like.
I have heard the stories and experiences, and the result is that those people always return home.
There is nothing for me outside of my Father’s house.
These days, and even in singleness, are the opportune time to do a work for the Lord.
Encouragement for Young Believers
We may be young and in ministry, but I want to encourage us with the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy…
1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV), says, “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.”
Young people, the Lord honors our age. He honors the life we live before Him as a young person.
I know it can be hard facing others and being misunderstood.
I know it is unfortunate for others to not see value in us because we are young.
I know it can be frustrating when others try to belittle us and make assumptions about us without knowing us.
Nevertheless, the Lord has given us the strength and courage to rise above it.
We are not too young to be an example, even to older persons.
We are not too young to live holy.
We are not too young to live in purity.
We are not too young to be anointed.
We are not too young to win souls.
We are not too young to have a holy boldness.
We are not too young to have a conviction and standard.
We are not too young to know Jesus for ourselves.
We are not too young to walk in wisdom.
If Jesus could use Samuel, Jeremiah, David, and many others, He can use us too.
We can do great and mighty things for the Lord!
No, we do not have to agree with carnality.
No, we do not have to agree to compromise.
So, when people throw our age in our faces, we will take it as an honour and privilege that the Lord would count us worthy to be used by Him!
Raphael R. Roker 