Let Your Progress Be Evident to All

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Timothy 3-4

It is not uncommon for those who are older to look down upon those who are younger (sometimes for good reason, other times not). Yet when Paul wrote to Timothy, a younger preacher, he told him, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness…” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Of course, Timothy could not control people’s thoughts, so how could he influence what they thought of him? Paul continued: “But rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy was not “entitled” to respect; rather, he was to show by his actions that he was someone to be respected and emulated.

Paul explained that Timothy was to do this by focusing on reading and teaching God’s word, making use of his spiritual gift, and being fully committed to his work (1 Timothy 4:13-15). This would inevitably lead to his own spiritual growth and, as Paul said, his “progress [would] be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:15).

We may think it is unfair that others (especially those who are older) treat us as inexperienced, irresponsible, and immature – and sometimes this does happen unfairly. The solution is for us to gain experience, act responsibly, and develop maturity.

So let your progress be evident to all. Regardless of how others perceive you, make sure you are doing what the Lord expects you to do. If others still look down on you despite this, it will eventually be evident who truly is the one who is immature.