Never too young

I have been privileged on numerous occasions in the past to feature some of my daughter's writings, inspired by her love for Jesus. Her desire always is to share the gospel with others, to see God honored and glorified. Today I have the honor of featuring a speech presented by her 15-year-old daughter, our precious granddaughter Hallie. How priceless to share a love of the Lord with family!

My fellow classmates:

Teens and young adults ought to participate in ministry, as God commands all believers to serve others. Obedience to God’s call to ministry produces joy within the heart of all believers, including young people.

What I mean by ministry is utilizing the gifts God has given by helping and serving those within the church body as well as those in the community. Even though youthful, we as students, have gifts to offer.

1 Timothy 4:12 states: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

As young men and women of Christ, we as students, must utilize our gifts that Christ has given us to show others the love of the Lord working through us in our actions and speech.

Society often pressures teens toward self-centered ideals. Will we continue to be distracted or will we, as young believers, stand firm in Christ for his glory, thus experiencing true joy that comes through the only Son of God?

We must obey the call even though ministry can be challenging. The Lord commands believers, through His servant Paul, in Colossians 3:17 stating: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

One day life will end and we will give an account of our life here on earth. I pray that we will not let our youthfulness hinder the call we have as believers in Christ. Instead, that we will go and serve willingly.

Remember, living the Christian life is not about doing for Christ, but letting Christ live His life in and through you; Christ alone does the work. Will we let Him work through us? I pray we do!

Hallie Tyhuis