Jump Start # 3492

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

The title of the article was blunt. It read, “Gen Z is shaping itself into the ‘Wasted Generation.’” The story reported more than one college professor who was fired because the students complained that the classes were too hard and that they wouldn’t give them better grades. The focus on the article was how higher education is enabling rather than helping young people. Challenges and failures drive a person to do better. The concern was that Generation Z was content to be mediocre. A third did not care about their grades and 89% enjoy the idea of putting the bare minimum into their work. Rather than developing the atmosphere of achieving and striving for the best, the current culture is catering to doing as little as possible.

Generic articles like this often paint a picture with a very broad brush. We know not all young people are like this. We know not all schools of higher education are lowering the levels of expectations. However, this ought to be a point of discussion and concern for God’s leaders today.

Will lazy preachers be the norm in the future? Will they allow AI to write their sermons and do as little as possible? Will future shepherds be lazy and confine all their work to the times of services? And, will congregations be content to do as little as possible? Lazy saints that are unmotivated and have little drive about them will let opportunity after opportunity pass by. Congregations will drift. Indifference will take over. And, congregations will die a slow death which very few will do anything about.

In some ways, that is the current state of many places. Sad, but honest and true. Very little looking beyond who is doing what this coming Sunday. Just existing week after week. No goals. No ambition. No drive.

Here are a few of my thoughts about all of this:

First, I don’t buy into the idea that it is the responsibility of colleges and universities to teach achievement, ambition and doing your personal best. Dumbing things down and changing things just because something is hard is not the right answer. It’s in the home that all of these internal life lessons need to be taught and developed. Get those kids out of bed. Turn off the videos. Grab a shovel and go down the street and clear the snow out of the driveway of an older person. Do that for free. Do that because there are lessons learned when you do that.

Challenges in the home and facing difficulties and even failures helps us to understand that we are not the center of the universe. Not everything is about me. There are some things a person will do in which there is no return benefit other than helping someone out. Some jobs are just stinky and there are moments in life which are boring. That’s life. Unmotivated parents will create unmotivated children.

Second, we need a greater picture of the kingdom of God. It is the greatest force on the earth. We need to support it, protect it and help it grow. Our attitudes about God, worship and His people has a lot to do with the way our children will think. Love worship. Put God first. Wrap all your choices around what God would want from you. Pray for your people. Think about ways that you can help improve things. When you see something you can do, even picking up a piece of paper off the floor, do it.

I remember my ole’ friend Jim Babcock. He was the local principal of a small high school. He’d be seen picking up trash in the Walmart parking lot. Why? There were people paid to do that. He was a school principal. He did that because it was something he could do. Man that lesson stuck with me. Now, if I see a shopping cart sitting in the middle of a parking space, I’ll move it. I know Jim would.

When we have that attitude about the kingdom, we’ll bring our best, do our best and do all we can to make it the best. We’ll be thinking about these things all the time. We’ll see doors wide open to talk to someone, invite someone, share with someone a sermon, article or even a Jump Start. Mediocre. Average. Typical. Normal. Those are words that do not define our walk with Jesus.

Third, that Gen Z group of young people described in the article are going to face the cold reality of truth some day. They will have jobs that are hard. They will do things that they hate. They will work long hours. They will face bills, debt, death, and the realty that life doesn’t lower the bar because we complain or don’t like things. They may jump from job to job to job before they realize there is a reason why work is called “work.” They may have to work holidays. They may not be able to take off every day that they want to. Scream “unfair.” Pout. Quit. Run home. This is life. We still have it so much easier than those in the middle ages.

When we read about Paul preaching at midnight in Acts 20, I doubt he started at 9:30 in the morning. Most were slaves. They had to get their work done first. Work hard. Work long. Then get to worship. Then stay up until past midnight, knowing that in the morning, as a slave and servant, you couldn’t call in and take the day off. You had to get up and work, tired as you are. But they assembled. They worshipped. They saw fit to be with one another.

We don’t do our families a favor when we pamper them all the time and make them believe they are the darlings of the world. The beloved apostle described himself as hungry, thirsty and homeless. Who was he going to cry to? Who was going to make things better for him? He mustered on, knowing that faithfulness does just that.

We need young people who are not defined by articles such as what we stared with. We need hard working, self sacrificing, kingdom loving disciples who do not waste time and opportunity but rather are an example to the rest of us. Those kind will stand out. Those kind will make a difference. Those kind will be noticed. Those kind ought to be what we are made of.

Roger

Jump Start # 3397

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Oh, to be young again, I hear some say. There is an energy, excitement and joy about young people. That’s true whether they are teens or those in their early 20’s. They are on top of technology. They have great ideas. They are fun to be around. And, so often the question is asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” That question implies that I do not want to be doing what I am now doing.

Most of our sermons that are directed towards single people, are designed for teens or the topic of purity and dating. It sure seems that the apostle Paul was single, as we define that word. Many modern churches offer a singles ministry which looks nothing more than a platform for dating and eventually marriage. Sometimes there is a push for singles to get married and that isn’t always the best decision.

Some are single because they want to be single. And that can make them feel left out in many circles. Too old to fit in with the teens and definitely not a couple, what do you do with the single people? Often left to themselves, they can feel like they have leprosy. Something is wrong, because you are single. Rather than fellowshipping them and encouraging them, often we ignore them. The drop out rate among Christians is the highest among the single crowd. Off to college, many never connect with a church and worldly friends pull them away from Christ.

The expression “single” can have a wide definition. Some would put the divorced, the widow and the widower in that group. Some would put the kids in that group.

We can do a better job of helping single people feel that they are a part of the local fellowship. This can be done without trying to fix them up with someone. Having a group of young people, single, married, and anything else, just to be together, study, talk, and enjoy what they have in Christ is a great way to help with that.

There are some realities that single people need to realize:

First, being single isn’t a condition that one needs to hurry and get out of. You may be single for a long time. Being single is not a curse. It allows you to do things that others cannot. Without being tied down with a family, one can do much good for the kingdom. You can help brethren overseas. You can do so much for your congregation.

Paul’s words in 1 Cor 7 encouraged the single saints to remain single. He wished that everyone could be like he was. There was a unique situation that led him to say that, but there are opportunities and freedoms that single people have that those in a family do not. Rather than wishing away your life, hoping to be married, see the opportunities the Lord has granted you and use them faithfully for His kingdom.

Second, this may be the best time of your life, so enjoy it, benefit from it and make the most of it. You can take special classes in a local college. You have the time to do things that others do not. You can travel. You can volunteer. You can attend lectureships, meetings, singings and special events that can build your faith. You can be a powerful influence in your congregation. Have people over. Be the Barnabas in your church. Don’t spend your nights watching TV. Get out and use this time that God has given you for something good.

Third,  the habits you are doing now will determine the kind of person you are. Good habits such as a prayerful life, truth speaking, realizing the value of worship and honoring God the way He wants to be are such strong foundational things that will help you all of your life.

From our verse today, Timothy’s actions, were to be the example. Often older people won’t listen to the younger ones. That is a mistake. But Paul’s encouragement to Timothy was to show them. The apostle lists five core areas that Timothy could make a difference.

• In speech. Talk godly. Talk respectfully. Talk kindly. Don’t get into gossip. Stay away from complaining. Set the tone for when people are around you. Be honest in your speech.

• In conduct. Your behavior. Your talk and walk ought to match. Many can talk a good game, but they don’t show it. You show it. Show that the Lord is most important to you. Show that you care. Show that you are obedient. Your attendance. Your attitude. Your influence. They ought to all point to Jesus.

• In love. Love, first for the Lord, then love for God’s people. Love is much more than a feeling, it’s an action word. Be praying for those in the congregation. Be involved in the lives of others. These people are your family in Christ. Love them, warts and all. Love them, imperfections and all.

• In faith. Faith is what moves God. Faith is what catches the eye of God. Genuine faith. Strong faith. Determined faith. Diligent faith. Point people to God. Remind others that God remains on the throne. Believe that God is good. Know that God is there for you. The faith that led the three Jewish youths to stand rather than bow before an idol. The faith that led Peter to refuse to remain quiet about Jesus. Heaven bound—you believe it. You know it. You want it.

• In purity. Purity in the way you talk. Purity in the way you dress. Purity in what shows you watch. Purity not just in the church building, but at work, on vacation, when out with friends. Pure on what you post and like on social media. Nothing questionable. Nothing out of line.

Timothy is raising the bar. People would see that young Timothy was serious about his faith. One doesn’t have to be sour, grumpy and frowning to be serious about their faith. I see the young people in our congregation. They are laughing, talking, smiling, and engaging with one another. There is nothing inappropriate taking place. There is nothing to be ashamed of. They are an example of a joyful Christian.

It’s ok to be single. What a great asset you can be.

Roger

Jump Start # 3233

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Our verse today are the words of the apostle to the young preacher Timothy. Timothy had the word of God but what he lacked was experience. He was young. The battle scars that many carried were not found on young Timothy. He would have his own battles to fight in life. Rather than throwing a pity party, Paul tells the young preacher to show them. Show them how to live. Be an example.

Looking down on your youthfulness—I wonder what that looks like? Is it rolled eyes when the single preacher teaches about marriage? Was it a scoff, snicker and disbelief when a young preacher tried to teach about parenting? I expect things were said. They may have been said just loud enough for Timothy to hear them. Just loud enough to sting and hurt. Sometimes brethren can be cruel. Sometimes they won’t give a young person a chance simply because he is young.

What should one do when he has been hurt by someone else? Whether it’s a young preacher, or a senior saint, words stick and they have a way of hurting a long time after they have been said. Our moms told us about the sticks and stones and that words will never harm us. But we know better. Long after the wounds from sticks and stones are healed, we remember the words. Decades later, we can still remember the words. Something unkind said. Some gossip. Some unfair criticism. Anger. “You can’t do anything right,” we remember. “You’re fat,” that sticks. “I hate you,” hurts more than any rock thrown our direction.

How do we recover from things said to us? How do we move on after something unkind and ugly has been spoken to us? And, in the climate we live in today, harsh and unkind words are becoming the norm.

First, don’t pick the scabs on those wounds. As in life, wounds never fully heal as long as we keep messing with the wound and picking the scabs. The wound continues to bleed. So, try not to rewind those painful conversations over and over. Telling others will only keep the wounds open. Try to focus upon something good and worthwhile, like the Lord.

Second, a conversation may need to take place with the person that hurt you. They may not realize what they have done. They may have meant well, but their words came out sideways and backwards. You may find a friend in that person and he may ask you to forgive him. But, we also know all too well, that the conversation may continue to go south and he may use the opportunity to wound you even more. It is at that time that you may need to put some distance between you and that person.

Third, forgive as often as you can. Even though you were the one wounded and rightfully, the other person ought to ask you to forgive, let it go. Put the hurt in an unmarked grave that you do not visit again. What you do not want to do is to launch a counter attack. That most times fails. One fires a missile. The other is compelled to fire more in return. Then the first person feels the need to launch a few more. Back and forth and what develops is a war. Sides are taken. Feelings are hurt. Things are said. And, most times, someone leaves the congregation. You don’t want to be a part of that.

Fourth, pray to God. Ask God to help you. Ask God to open your heart. Ask God to resolve the difference. Bringing God into the circumstances will help you keep your attitude, words and heart in a heavenly perspective. You’ll realize that it’s not about you. You’ll consider what is best for the kingdom.

Keeping the golden rule at the forefront of our hearts will stop us from saying things that should never be said. In a perfect world, brethren would never hurt each other. But, this world is far from perfect. We must learn how to deal with wounds in a proper fashion.

Let no one look down on you. Easy to say, Mr. Apostle. It happens. But our reply is not in words but in example. Show them and show the Lord that you are made of better things. Your light shines the brightest in the darkest moments. Rather than getting angry, dig in and be the best disciple that you can be.

Show them by your example—that’s the way Heaven wants you to respond.

Roger

Jump Start # 3087

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Spring time always is a busy and exciting season of the year. The air is warmer, people are out doing things in the yard, and summer is right around the corner. And, every Spring is graduation time. It’s always a big step and it opens the door for the next chapter in a family’s life. Heading off to high school, that’s a big step. Finished with high school, and now on to college. That’s a big step. Got the degree from the University and now it’s time to find a real job. That’s a big step. And, each of these big steps comes with challenges, adjustments, opportunities, new things and the ending of other things.

It’s often hard on moms and dads as their little ones take each of these big steps. Once safe and tucked in their beds at night, our children are off  to universities and we won’t see them every day. The fears and worries rise. Will they do well? Will they remain faithful to the Lord? Every parent experiences those thoughts.

Our verse today is directed towards young Timothy. He wasn’t heading off to school in the fall. Instead, he was out preaching. A young man, away from home, away from his mentor, he was on his own. Some excel and do well. Their character shines and they step up to great opportunities. Others, on their own for the first time, crash. They cave in to peer pressure. They do not develop that self discipline and drive to stay committed to the tasks before them. They look for trouble and most often, they find it.

Paul’s words to this young preacher was simple. Show them what you are made of. You are young. Some may not give you much time because of that. Some may even look down upon you. Just show them. Show them what love, faith and purity look like. Show them this in your behavior. Show them this in your conversations. Let your character speak for itself.

At graduation, some kids can’t wait to get away from home and bust free. The prodigal was like that. Get me out of here and let me do what I want. And, he did. And, what a disaster he got himself into. Broke. Friendless. Helpless. Hopeless. The only thing he could do was go home. And, sadly, for some, this same story will be repeated. Fluked out of college. Kicked out of college. Fired from a job. Arrested. Pregnant. The sad journey home filled with wrong choices, wrong people and wrong influences.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Parenting isn’t a ten minute conversation after you have moved your child into the college dorm. By then, it’s a bit too late if you have not directed, guided and taught your child. The high school years, the college years, the first job and the first apartment can all be wonderful success stories if your child walks daily with the Lord. Spiritual habits such as prayer, Bible study, regular worship can make all the difference in the outcome of these next few years. There is a strong possibility that your child will find someone that they want to marry. That person can be one of the greatest asset to helping them get to Heaven or one of the greatest burdens that keep that from happening. Who to marry? Where to worship? What career to follow? What job to take? These are all powerful choices that are coming very soon to so many families. Now is the time to develop a faith in the Lord and help them to make the best choices.

Most parents thought that when their children were little, that was hard, demanding and never ending. But as they have grown, and now facing these big life choices, parents would gladly have them back at home at a little age.

Paul had confidence in Timothy. As a young man, he was already serving and helping brethren. Paul saw this great ability and wanted Timothy to go with him. Timothy wasn’t lazy. He wasn’t on the fence with his faith. He, as a young man, was already using his faith and making the right choices. These qualities were already being illustrated before Paul showed up.

Graduation time—it’s a moment of great accomplishment and achievement. It’s the doorway for the next chapter in life. Leaving a university with a degree but no faith is not something God’s people want to see. Before a college is chosen, make sure there are good congregations nearby. Visit them. Get to know the people there.

But long before that time, teach, show, involve, illustrate to your child the greatness of the Lord. Talk about these things around the kitchen table. Talk about these things after worship. Talk about these things when the storms of life come. Talk about these things on good days. Following the Lord is the greatest lesson you can give to your child.

Parenting isn’t easy. Hang on. Fasten your seatbelts. Look Heavenward. Pray often.

Several years ago we produced a Jump Start book for Graduates. If you would like one please email me at: Rogshouse@aol.com. This book, as all of our Jump Start books, are free. Be sure to include your mailing address.

Roger

Jump Start # 2376

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

The unmarried Christian– instead of single and happy, many feel as if it is a curse or a disease. One of our readers asked me to write about the “single Christian.” Now, that expression can mean different things to each of us. The single parent. The widow or the widower, technically is single. The divorced is single. Teenagers are single. What I mean, and the direction of this Jump Start, are those who are of marrying age, but have never married. They are single. The single Christian.

There are a variety of reasons why some are single. Some focused upon school and career first. Others, just haven’t found the right person. For some, they like being single. It’s their choice. Within the church there are some awkward and uneasy situations that the single Christian finds himself in.

• There are those who try to arrange dates for you with their sisters, cousins and nieces. When I first started preaching I was single. I’d be invited over to people’s home for Sunday dinner. There was always an empty chair right beside me. Soon came someone’s sister, cousin, niece that the host thought would be a great date for me. Very awkward.

• There are those who say inappropriate things, such as, “don’t you like boys?” Or, “You’re not gay are you?”

• Then there are the times you feel like a third wheel. You’re too old to hang out with teens. Everyone else your age is married and has kids. So, when a couple is having a few people over, they are not sure what to do with you. Do they invite you or not? You feel like you have leprosy. You feel like a charity case. You don’t want people feeling sorry for you, as if you have something wrong with you.

There are four unique advances that Satan will try upon the single Christian.

First, there is stealing your joy because you are not where you want to be. This is the shopping mall syndrome. You enter a large shopping mall and look at the directory. There is a large red X declaring this is where you are. But you want to be some where else. Parents and grandparents put pressure upon you to marry and have kids. At every wedding you hear, “When will it be your turn?” All of this can rob you of the joys that God wants you to have. Being single gives you the freedom to travel, to teach, to help brethren in far away places. This is a blessing. You can do so much for the kingdom. Don’t view being single as something you must get rid of as soon as you can.

Second, settling for the consolation prize. You grow weary of waiting for the right person, so you take whatever comes along. It’s the second place, the runner up, the almost, but not quite. This person may not be a Christian. He may not have the same values as you do. Getting married to just be married isn’t the right choice. Being in a mad marriage is a terrible place to be. There are married people who wish that they were single. That’s not a place you want to be in.

Third, finding yourself in a place you don’t belong. That’s the prodigal’s story. He’s in a pig pen. Pigs belong in a pig pen, not people. Stuck in guilt. Miserable. Unhappy. Wishing you could go back and make different choices.

Fourth, selling out. Exchanging the spiritual for the physical. Trading the eternal for the temporary. This is what Esau did when he sold his birthright for a common meal. You start hanging out with those you thought you never would. You find yourself doing things that you would never have done a few years ago. Your thoughts on social drinking changes. Your views on divorce change. The reality is that you are getting weaker spiritually and you do not even realize it. You are trading the spiritual for the physical. You are selling out.

The Single Christian ought to understand that they may not live to be old. Life teaches us this. They ought to also understand that they may be single for a long time, even all of their life. They need to use the opportunities that they have to their advantage and to the advantage of the Kingdom. They need to rejoice, be happy and be a blessing to others. I think of my friend Robin, who has passed away. What a great single Christian he was. He taught classes. He gave incredible lessons. He invited the church over to his backyard and showed outdoor movies. He arranged for lots of us to go to a Reds game. He did what he could. He made a difference, even being single.

The single Christian can help young parents. They can be the wonderful aunt or uncle to the kids in the congregation. Rather than feeling as if they carry a plague, they need to see the wonderful blessing that they can be to other people. Time, resources, money can make such a difference in the kingdom.

And, when folks say things about you still being single, simply smile, and realize that we must all serve Christ in whatever place we find ourselves. Bloom where you are planted—is not only a powerful expression, and an old sermon of mine, but it illustrates a wonderful Biblical concept for us. All along the highways, especially in my area, where you see the highway cut through the rocks, there blooms a flower, or, there grows a tree. No one planted it there. The winds blew the seed there and with just enough soil, sunlight and water that tree grew. Sticking out of a rock, it helps holds the rocks from falling. You don’t find people pulling their cars over to take a picture of those trees sticking out of the rocks. They are not like the Redwoods. However, they add beauty to an ugly rock and they bloom where they have been planted. In life, we all want to be those tall California Redwoods. But choices and life often doesn’t make that happen. For some, we are nothing more than a tree sticking out of a rock along side a highway. Not the place where we thought we’d be, but here we are. We can feel cheated, depressed and left out, or we can bloom where we have been planted.

Single and a Christian—nothing wrong with that. Make the most of it. You can do things that the rest of us can’t. We need you to be strong spiritually and using your talents powerfully for the kingdom. Our verse today shows the great example that young and single can add to the kingdom. You can remind the rest of us what we ought to be and what we ought to be doing. Be that example that God wants you to be!

Roger