The Passion of Youth

The Passion of Youth
I Timothy 4:12
By Harold D. Dinsmore, M.Div.
Ó 2007 Harold D. Dinsmore 
Sunday, May 20, 2007  
Youth Sunday   

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”  Paul, the haggard old missionary and Apostle to the Gentiles writes his preacher boy Timothy so as to give him some pointers and instruction in caring for the people of God.  I have taken Paul’s writings to Timothy to heart over the years.  I began preaching when I was 18 years old. I was assistant to the pastor and associate pastor and youth pastor from 18 to 23.  I was pastoring a church at 24 years old.  I have been working with churches and God’s people for a long time.  I was the young kid on the block for a quite a while.  I was excited about serving God.  I wanted to see changes and people saved and churches growing.  I was consumed with the passion of youth. And I must confess I still feel that way.  My belief is that if God called us to preach, teach, evangelize and grow churches then we had better be doing it.