Devotion

Theme: Don't Give in to Despise

Text: 1 Timothy 4:12

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

To Despise is to make someone look or feel worthless though he/she is of significance. It distorts the emotions of an individual and cripples the will power to accept oneself as being capable. This has led many with shuttered dreams. If the Apostle Paul mentions this to Timothy, that he should not allow anyone despise his youth, then dear beloved in the Lord, you need to heed to that equally.

Being youthful in the Lord, means availing oneself for the Holy Spirit to use him/her for the Kingdom work. In availing, circumstances position themselves through others to draw you back. Just as in the case of Moses where his own siblings Miriam and Aaron spoke ill of him because of his wife (Numbers 12:1-2). If the adversary can't find fault with you, then your household will be a target. Be mindful how quickly you are in disclosing your family details to others. They'll use it against you.

In the battle line with the Philistine, David filled in the Spirit ready to strike down Goliath, his appearance alone was despise by Goliath as stated in 1 Samuel 17:42; And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.

You being good looking annoys others who wished to be like you. They will try to discourage you in diverse ways or even give you bad advice. You're wonderfully made in the image of God. 

In the days of Elijah, the comment of Jezebel put fear in the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-3. In verses 10 & 14, in responding to God what he was doing where he was,  So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

The Lord responded to him in verse 18; Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Don't give in to the despise of your youthfulness. Stand firm and God's glory will lift you up.

Amos was despise by Amaziah in Amos 7:12; Then Amaziah said to Amos: “Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah.

There eat bread, and there prophesy." The response of Amos was so remarkable in verse 14 & 15; 14 Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheep breeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. 15 Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ Have the spirit of Amos to stand firm and defend your service.

Prayer: Strengthen me to stand firm in my faith. Let me not be discouraged by the actions of others in my service to You in Jesus name. AMEN!