1 Timothy 4:12 (NASB), “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 story of Job is one of the most complex stories in the Bible. During his time of severe testing, four friends of Job came to him: Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar and Elihu (the youngest). What’s interesting is that God rebuked three of Job’s older friends for what they said to Job. But He did not rebuke Elihu the youngest of the four. The Bible says that Elihu waited to speak because the others were years older than he was (Job 32:4). The youngest of all of Job’s friends gave sound, unblemished counsel. Though he was the youngest, he gave the wisest and most acceptable advice. Elihu was respectful when he spoke from the conviction of his heart, and so his words were not rejected.  God told young Jeremiah, in the Bible, to not consider his youth as something that would disqualify him for being His mouthpiece. He said, “Do not say ‘I am a youth’ for you shall go to whom I send you”. Age doesn’t disqualify a person, a lack of self-control and discipline does (1 Corinthians 9:27). Regardless of our natural age, when we have made the effort to study and meditate on the Word of God, and allowed the Holy Spirit to make its practical wisdom clear to us - our advice will always be relevant and appropriate.  What’s just as important however, is the way we deliver it to people.  No matter how wise or true the content, if it comes across with arrogance or anything other than humility and sincerity of love for the hearer, it will not be well received.  Paul taught Timothy, that although he was young, God had empowered him to do the work of the ministry, and it would be done effectively and efficiently when he did it under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our lack of discipline and character will be the only limit to seeing God work mightily through us. In Paul’s words: “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honour, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). As you choose to yield to the wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit today, you will notice how your words will be welcomed and received because you have delivered them with humility and grace.