"Young people (meaning anyone younger than YOU, the reader), I applaud your enthusiasm in desiring to serve God. You bring such excitement and energy to the church.
However, you are still young. You need to concentrate on growing in God’s Word and learning from those in leadership over you. Be humble, realizing that they have years of experience and maturity that have been considered by God and others when put in the positions they are in.
Remember, God doesn’t like pride. He wants you to be humble. Acknowledge how far you have to go still in your walk with God and in your abilities to lead. If you accept your lower position with humility, God will eventually shower you with grace and give you the responsibility you desire.
God knows your passion, your desires and your ambition. These are good things, if you don’t become prideful. God loves zeal!
So give your ambition to Him. Don’t worry about when you will be promoted or whether you could do things better. Ambition can cause a lot of anxiety so we need to make sure it is mixed with humility. God loves you and cares for you and for those you wish to minister to. So give all your anxiety to Him. In the right time, you will be given positions of greater responsibility.
In the meantime learn all you can and let God make you into the person just right for the job He has in store for you!
Verse 3: Elders, as the younger generation comes in a humble attitude of submission, do not ‘lord’ your position over them. Lead by example and take into consideration that they have much to offer. Learn from their zeal.
Good balance for the young and old.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
yes...this always learning, and never lording over those who are younger on the path... great wisdom here!
ReplyDeleteOur pastor used to tell us that pride is the worst sin because it leads to most of the others.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder for the church ... Preach it!
ReplyDeletePreach on, well said.
ReplyDeleteLearning humility is essential for the growing church. Well said.
ReplyDeleteVery wise words to both the young and the old. Humility is a wonderful character trait. Pride really is the big sin which leads to many other sins.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great read; blessings to you!
Hi Shanda - I think this should be distributed to all the youth in the church :) Great post Shanda, and full of wisdom
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Good Thursday Morning! Amazing this morning as I was preparing my blog the Lord was speaking to me with incredible truths and has led me to several blogs this morning and all of which is speaking of "humility" by humbling self, by counting it all joy and his message to me was to experience His Choice for today's journey by not lingering over yesterday's experiences: I love it how He pulls it all together through His vessels...thank you for being an instrument in His hands...awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think these are wise words. So often we're told that we need to look like leaders and it's very easy to take those words to heart and focus on pride and appearances rather than learning and serving.
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking a lot about this too, as I have been reading Chuck Swindols, the Life of Paul. He waited about 8 years after his initial conversion before Barnabas came to get him to help in Antioch. In that time in Arabia and Tarsus he waited humbly and patiently, and didn't send out his resume with all his credentials, he waited for God to provide opportunity, and he did so humbly, but with great passion. It has really helped me to accept that at this time in my life I need sit back and learn to wait, even if passion and zeal for the Lord overflow from my heart. I love this post and I miss your lessons on Wednesdays!! Love you friend! When this Peter study is over and you have some free time I'd love to get together. :)
ReplyDeleteJust absolutely beautiful! God has shown me over and over that where He's called me He has equipped me. It doesn't feel like on many occasions, but it's so true. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging post, Shanda! Very timely read for me. Thank you for sharing.
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