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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
At first glance, this instruction by Paul to Timothy might appear to excuse some “attitude” in your relationships with older people. To be sure, your parents and elders don’t know everything. And no, you’re not always wrong. But is all the counsel you receive from older people out-of-date and out-of-touch? Are all your dreams and ideas well thought out, correct and positive? Hardly. Besides which, Paul instructs us elsewhere, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 So how do we “not let anyone” without being arrogant and demanding? In part by remembering what God says in Proverbs 8:13, “I hate pride and arrogance,…” (See also Proverbs 16:18)
We live at peace with everyone by being at peace with who we are, interacting with people in calm assurance and confidence when we know who we are and what is expected of us. We show who we are and what we are made of by example. “The fruit (or result) of righteousness (right living) will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence…” Is. 32:17 For the most part you will be treated responsibly and respectfully – when you act responsibly and respectfully. The latter part of Paul’s instruction to, “Don’t let anyone…” being, “but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
One of the pitfalls of being young and old alike is the tendency to develop a know-it-all attitude. You’re newly educated, full of energy and ideas and ready to take on the world. Yet realistically, you’ve still led a fairly sheltered life and haven’t experienced a lot of practical living. That’s not meant to be insulting; you have worked hard and will continue to do so I’m sure. But you’ll be surprised at how much more you need to learn once you get out into the real world and have to make all the decisions, pay all the bills and be responsible for everything you do.
Accepting advice is important. Acting on the right advice is crucial. “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 For, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Prob. 14:12 It only stands to reason that the more sound advice we receive, the better prepared we will be. Sound advice often being a combination of ideas from those who share our interests and those who look at things a little differently; from people your own age who have the same excitement and energy level, combined with those who are a little older in age and experience who can offer pointers about the dangers of proceeding too quickly or responding before we are really ready. A balance is what we need and should strive for. Our Bible confirming, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 And of course, all counsel must stand the test of scripture and biblical example.
Some good examples of young people – respectable, respected young people – will highlight the truth of this lesson. They didn’t let themselves be taken for granted because they were just too good to be. You can be too!
Jeremiah: When confronted with God’s expectations, Jeremiah at first fell back in fear and protested, “I am only a child.” But God told him not to use that as an excuse. He was usable, useful and chosen. (As are you!) Useful in Him. The key was in being prepared. “Get yourself ready!” Know what you are doing and why or who you are doing it for. Then do it the Lord’s way with confidence! (Jeremiah 1:6,7,17)
David: At a time of national crisis, God sought out a man after his own heart to rule the nation of Israel. (1 Samuel 13:14) That man was David – the youngest son of Jesse; a farm boy – a shepherd. Not necessarily imposing looking, yet God assured Samuel he looked at a man’s heart in defining him, not his outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:1-13) David’s life, indicative of our own, was not lived perfectly; but at a young age his heart was already inclined toward God and as a result was useful to Him and beneficial to his countrymen. He exemplified, over and over, the characteristic spoken of in Deuteronomy 4:29 of the stumbling believer in his attempt to get back up and continue on. “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, YOU WILL FIND HIM IF YOU LOOK FOR HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART and with all your soul.”
Josiah: King at age 8 of an extremely corrupt nation! He evidently got some good advice and Godly counsel, for in the 18th year of his reign, at 26, the Book of the Law was found and read. He was grieved to learn how far off the mark they were living, repenting personally and leading the nation in repentance and renewal as well. Of him it is written, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did -–with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.” 2 Kings 23:25
Joseph: Exemplified a perfect example of confidence in God in answering the questions of life (Genesis 41:16), which for Joseph took many unexpected turns starting at a very young age. He was 17 when first sold into slavery and consequently experienced a lot, learning much in unconventional ways to say the least. But his attitude was always one of acceptance and expectation of God’s desire and ability to make good come from evil. (Read Genesis 37 – 47, especially 45:4-8)
Ruth: The story of a young Moabite woman, widow of an Israelite man. Still young at his death and childless, she none-the-less became better instead of bitter. She returned to Israel with her mother-in-law, making Naomi’s people and God her own. (Ruth 1:16) She was committed to doing right and taking the advice of those around her who could help. She was blessed with a new marriage to a righteous man, having a child by him. But not just any child! He was the great-grandfather of King David – a direct ancestor of Jesus.
Esther: An orphan at an early age, exiled to Persia after Israel’s destruction by its mighty army. Through obedience and faithfulness to God’s will and her uncle’s advice, she became Queen of the land and was used in a mighty way to save her people.
And although all these examples are from the Old Testament, the New – while not giving much biographical material for anyone besides the main characters involved in establishing the early church; does mention Timothy, Titus, Silas, Priscilla, Phoebe (among others) – and even Mark, who after a slow start became instrumental in helping Paul, Peter, Barnabas and others spread the good news of the gospel.
Notice – None of these young people succeeded as a result of arrogance or by making demands of those around them, but in humility and through acts of obedience they served God and their fellowmen. People had to respect them because they were so respectable. They didn’t let people look down on them by rising above every occasion and behaving in such a way that people could do nothing but look up to them in admiration. May it be so with you!
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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