Some in today's Church believe that teenagers cannot be trusted with God's work. They argue points like "Teens are too emotionally immature," or "Teens can't grasp the importance of Bible ministry," or even things like "Teens can't be fully committed to Christ," or "Teens will lead others astray." While there are certainly teens for whom each of those accusations might be true, there are two logical reasons why such arguments fail: First, do we assume that all adults in ministry are sufficiently mature to pass the standards against which these folks would measure teens? And if all teens should be prohibited from ministry because some are immature, then wouldn't all adults be prohibited by the same principle? Second, is it not grossly unfair to paint all teens with those brushes? Many students today have committed their lives to God and are struggling, just like you and me, to push that commitment into every area of their lives and ministries. God has blessed many churches and ministries with many such students, and these students are the foundation of the youth ministry they're growing. Beyond those logical questions, we must yet ask, "Is such ministry biblical?" Does scripture ever show God using youth to accomplish His will? I'd suggest that God has used, spoken through, or lead His people with young people. Samuel, David, Mark, maybe even Timothy, spoke for God, lead armies, or taught Christians along with their elder counterparts. God called the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel before they were born, and called them to their posts while they were quite young. Daniel was a young man when he was promoted to the highest advisor post in Babylon. Esther and Mary were used by God while quite young. It seems clear that achievement of age is not the sole requirement for ministry. The Bible rather insists on a set of character qualities needed for all ministers, no matter how many birthdays they've seen in their past. One such quality, the Fear of the Lord, is essential to success for any minister, young or old. Every minister must recognize that he must ultimately give an answer to God for the ways in which he serves. It matters not if he teaches truth or lies, has integrity or lacks it, serves others or manipulates them, or promotes unity or sows dissension, every leader, teacher, pastor, or overseer will give an account to a righteous, holy, all-seeing, all-knowing, peering-into-the-deepest-crevices-of-the-human-heart God. He will judge with perfect judgment. Every minister, youth or adult, must submit his service to Him. In addition to the Fear of God, there are many other qualities to visit in future posts. Father, give me eyes to see the true calling you have for me, then for everyone around me. Help me live according to a right and appropriate fear of You. Then help me help others live according to a right fear of You.
Posted via email from We've Encountered a Terrifying Grace
