Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
This is a wonderful passage for young people to read. Imagine that you are Timothy. You were raised by a Christian mother and grandmother, and you traveled and learned from the apostle Paul. You are now a young preacher in a congregation with many people older than you, who know the Jewish law better than you do.
Wouldn’t you be concerned about how you could influence people in the church? Have you ever been told that “you’re just too young” to do something?
Paul tells Timothy not to worry about that. Timothy has something very special: the Word of God. If Timothy would continue to study it and obey it, those around him would believe and be saved.
Timothy was concerned about what he could do for others – we should be as well. Isn’t there a lot of work for young people to do in God’s kingdom? You can pray that your example and teaching can have the same powerful effect on others!
Small Means and Great Ends is a collection of stories edited by Mrs. M.H. Adams published in 1851. The book may be read free online.
SMALL MEANS AND GREAT END (OR, THE WIDOW’S POT OF OIL)
“Oh! how I do wish I was rich!” said Eliza Melvyn, dropping her work in her lap, and looking up discontentedly to her mother; “why should not I be rich as well as Clara Payson? There she passes in her father’s carriage, with her fine clothes, and haughty ways; while I sit here–sew–sewing–all day long. I don’t see what use I am in the world!
“Why should it be so? Why should one person have bread to waste, while another is starving? Why should one sit idle all day, while another toils all night? Why should one have so many blessings, and another so few?”