Serving at any age

1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

It has always been the youth or young adults who have opened up pathways upon the planet earth and in the work of planting spiritual seed. Their fearless approach to life knows no boundaries and bears no restraints against "going where no man has gone before." Youth have the capacity for adventure, and God often uses this capacity to accomplish that which older servants of the Lord are unable to do. While the adventurous spirit often leads the youthful to accomplish great things there will always be the need for the wisdom of older servants, who themselves were adventurous in their youth.

Caleb, who was a young man during Moses' early leadership, survived the 40 years of wandering that Israel had to do in the wilderness. Because he was faithful to believe the Lord's word that they were able to go in and take the promise land, he was ready and able to follow Joshua into Canaan at the age of 85. "And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these 45 years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses ... As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in" (Joshua 14:10-11). Caleb retained his youth because he was maintaining his readiness to accomplish the great things God had directed them toward 45 years earlier. He did not let his spirit-of-youth evaporate, because he desired to finish what God had appointed him to do. All others but Joshua, who were his age, had succumbed to old age and died.

Caleb now had an advantage. Not only was he youthfully strong and capable for the vigorous challenge, he had gained wisdom through those 45 years. He was a wiser leader and able to out-maneuver the enemy because of the instruction-in-wisdom the years had provided. Those who were young would not have the benefit of the understanding he would have in the heat of battle. He had not let the passing years hurt him, he had used those years to gain insight. And he parleyed that wisdom and youthful strength into victory for his family.

It is easy with each passing year to submit to the idea that with age comes weakness. But for the servant of the Lord that is not necessarily true. When God has provided us a vision for victory in some area of life, and that opportunity for victory has not yet been presented, then we do not have to sit down, surrender our youth, and die. Instead, we can work to be ready for the opportunity that God has promised. And as each year passes, and we continue our readiness, we will gain wisdom, and that wisdom will guide us safely out for the victory in the Name of the Lord. It will also be helpful to remember the exhortation that Paul gave Timothy: "Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." That encouragement and exhortation is beneficial to every age.

So here we are at the beginning of 2014, more than 3,000 years since the death of Caleb. Yet the truth of Caleb's life is a vivid reminder not to sit down, but live in vitality this new year God has given us. Has God given you a vision for life? Then go out and live it whether you are 20, 40 or 85 years old. God will provide the victory!

•••

Editor's note: Jim Duncan is the pastor of Mountain Bible Church, Mountain, Mo. He may be contacted at P.O. Box 146, Pea Ridge, AR 72751; or by telephone at 417-341-8504; by e-mail at [email protected]. His Website is www.jamesduncan-writer.net.

Religion on 01/08/2014