"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

As believers, each of us is called to be set apart, and to be an example to all who know Jesus and even to those who don't. I believe that what we're being asked to do in 1 Timothy 4:12 is to be bold. 

We, as Christ followers, are being called to a greater lifestyle than any other. We're called to lead. We're meant to spread the light of Jesus in any way we can. Therefore, don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. If you know Jesus, you know you've been called to do great things, and there's absolutely no point in wasting time. 

As a child, I had no problem being bold--sometimes it was a little much--but as I've grown a bit older, I notice that so many people struggle with it. Being in a public high school, I observed that so many are ashamed of the fact that their family goes to church. They think that it doesn't fit their "look" to be a believer. 

If I know anything, it's that knowing Jesus isn't a trend. Knowing Jesus is a constant state of joy and contentment, no matter how much confusion you're facing. Knowing Jesus is being sure in the fact that, no matter what you're going through, you're going to come out of it stronger than before. If people claim to know Jesus, but doubt that they'll make it out of their situation, they haven't come face to face with Him. They haven't met Him up close to see His glory. 

If you really look into what God has done for others, simply by reading the Word or hearing testimonies, you KNOW that He loves you wholeheartedly, and only allows you to go through what He knows you can handle. After all, He did create you. 

This version of this particular verse goes into depth. It tells us to grow our gifts to help change the world:

"Don't let people look down on you because you are young; see that they look up to you because you are an example to them in your speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity. Concentrate until my arrival on your reading and on your preaching and teaching. Never forget that you received the gift of proclaiming God's Word when the assembled elders laid their hands on you. Give your whole attention, all your energies, to these things, so that your progress is plain for all to see. Keep a critical eye both upon your own life and on the teaching you give, and if you continue to follow the line I have indicated you will not only save your own soul but the souls of many of your hearers as well." (1 Timothy 4:12, Phillips) 
 
Whatever calling you've been given, use it to glorify Him. No one ever said creativity was a sin, so God isn't telling you to only paint pictures of Him, or only write songs or books about Him, or only be His accountant or His lawyer. He is telling you to use whatever platform given to you to lift Him up. 

This simply means don't be afraid to share what you know and believe. Tell people about what He did for you in your office. Make people feel His presence in a painting, without even knowing that's what they're feeling. Write catchy hooks or heavy rock songs, but spread kindness to fans, or talk about Him on your social media. Let people wonder what fuels you. Let your kindness create their curiosity!

The disbelief of people listening to you if you're young is the same disbelief in His everlasting love. If God puts something on your heart to share, share it. Don't wait until you're older, because someone may need that message now! Utilize the tools given to you--social media, school, your church or community--to spread the kerosene so that Jesus can light a match. 

That is our goal: douse the world in kerosene, so that God can light the world on fire. 

You cannot wait for permission once you hear the voice of God. He is your permission. Be confident in Him and He will give you stability in your message, as long as it is of Him. Do not be afraid of what He has for you. 

"So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)