“ 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.” 1 Tim 4:12
The time of our youth is very critical in human life. Paul speaking by the Holy Ghost warned youth from generation to generation through Timothy that you must not allow people to despise your youth.
What does it mean to despise: To have contempt or a deep repugnance for a person. To feel a strong dislike for someone or something that you think is bad or worthless. Paul says don’t let anybody waste you just because you are a youth." Say to yourself “I will not despise my youth.” Synonyms of despise include: detest,hate, loathe,abhor, abominate, be repelled by, find intolerable, deplore, dislike, scorn, disdain, slight,look down on,deride, scoff at, jeer at, sneer at, mock at. If you do not allow people to despise your youth, you are immovable. David is an example of a young man who was despised.
Firstly, by his Dad. Jesse was given advance notice that Samuel was coming to anoint a king in his house . He has eight sons. He told the seven older sons to stay home and sent David to tend sheep. As far as he was concerned, David was not kingly material. He was despised . His dad said : “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats. “ 1 Sam 16: 11b . His dad represents family members despising you.
Secondly, he was despised by his brothers - David was sent to give food to his brothers , Elian, Shammah. and Abinadab. When he was making enquires as to how to kill Goliath, they mocked him and asked him to mind his own business. Colleagues, friends, and family may ask you why you are dreaming. Why you are developing ambitions. They will despise you .His brothers represent colleagues, classmates, and contemporaries despising you.
Thirdly, Saul despised David. He told David, "He was not trained. He was too young and could not succeed in that venture . Saul typifies people in place of authority despising your youth. Undermining your ability and/or capacity.
Fourthly, Goliath -despised David. “And when the Philistines looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.” 1 Sam 17:42. Goliath represents enemies, competitors, and haters disdaining and despising your youth.
Fifthly, You can despise yourself - The most dangerous of all, is when you despise yourself. When you are consuming what is dangerous and injurious to your physical, spiritual , and mental health by listening , watching, and eating what is unhealthy, you are despising your youth.
Conclusion: The world is wired to despise people, particularly youth. As they say, you can not prevent a bird from flying in the air, but you can prevent it from making a nest on your head . That is why Paul warned Timothy, and that is why the Holy Spirit is warning you now . To despise is to waste . Don’t let anyone waste your youthful time, energy, and resourcefulness, and don’t waste it yourself. Discipline yourself, be teachable and coachable. Be a reader, avoid ungodly lifestyles,drugs, alcohol and fornication and above all, have a vision for your life. Live a virtuous life. Don't let anyone despise your youth!
Shalom .
