READ: PSALM 119:9-16, 97-104; MATTHEW 5:13-16

Have you ever been told you were too young to do something or go somewhere or hang out with certain people? Maybe nobody told you with words, but their body language, tone, and actions conveyed the message clear enough. I’ve had many people tell me that over the years, and even recently there have been people who’ve expressed that I’m too young for them to bother with, or that I’m too young to do anything worthwhile. And it hurts, no matter who the person is or how they say it.

There is someone, though, who will never tell you that you’re “too young” to be noticed or do something important. In fact, God often calls the teens and young adults to do His work and be an example of what to do. Just a few examples of young people who did important things in the Bible are David, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Timothy. While some belittle young people, God gives us the chance to do more than anyone thinks we can do.

When Jesus was on earth He wanted the children to come to Him (Mark 10:13-16). And today He calls us to come to Him. Our risen Lord has a place in His kingdom for those who are seen as “too young”—and it’s not in an obscure corner where we’ll be out of the way. He calls us to be an example and a light to the world. He never thinks we’re too young to do important things. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Have you ever felt unqualified because of your age? What was that like?

• How might God be inviting you to make an impact now? God guides us through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk openly with, someone who will encourage you and help you discern God’s guidance?

• If you want to dig deeper, you can read about David (1 Samuel 17), Esther (Esther 1–10), Mary (Luke 1:26-56; 2:15-19), and Timothy (Acts 16:1-5; 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy).

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)