"Given the current state of things in the world, the global economic recession, the abundant/available access to foolish- filthy media, the seeming growing animosity towards the church, the attack on the family, WHY did the Brethren choose 1 Timothy 4:12 as the theme for the youth of the church this year, what do you think they want the youth to get out of that scripture?"
PS: Literally this is the most oft quote by President Monson dating back to when he became a general authority when he was 36!
Monday, March 9, 2009
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Well I would say one of the reasons that they chose this scripture for the youth espsealy is that it is speaking directly to the youth.
For those of us that are no longer youth we can read this and think back and be greatful for the atonment because of the mistakes that we have made. But for the youth who are at that time in there lives, they can if they remember this scripture oft, look back when they get a little older and be greatful for the power of leadership and of warning and support that they recived and still do recive from there leaders.
I think that it is a wonderous pice of advice from our leaders. For anyone who remembers hearing it in a few years is going to think, you know they were right and it will build there testimony, or they will have listend and will still be streagthened becasue it still rings true.
Well I would say one of the reasons that they chose this scripture for the youth espsealy is that it is speaking directly to the youth.
For those of us that are no longer youth we can read this and think back and be greatful for the atonment because of the mistakes that we have made. But for the youth who are at that time in there lives, they can if they remember this scripture oft, look back when they get a little older and be greatful for the power of leadership and of warning and support that they recived and still do recive from there leaders.
I think that it is a wonderous pice of advice from our leaders. For anyone who remembers hearing it in a few years is going to think, you know they were right and it will build there testimony, or they will have listend and will still be streagthened becasue it still rings true.
It is easy for a person who has been somewhat aimlessly wandering life looking for truth and happiness but who has never found it to doubt that a younger person has found the source of truth and happiness. I think the youth of the church often times receives the brunt of the worlds opposition for this among other reasons. The youth of the church are a very needed and loved part of the church, not just a group the church leaders are constantly concerned for... they are concerned, but they are confident as well. Youth who stand up for what they believe and work to be an example, will be a great blessing to all those around them even after they no longer associate with them. I still think of my friends in high school that stood firm in the face of opposition and temptation, and it has had a great effect on me. I hope that the focus on this scripture helps some of the unsure youth to feel the confidence and love that their father in heaven has in them.
I believe that Paul was speaking specifically to Timothy here, who was--I believe--a bishop at the time? Now Timothy was a young bishop (again, correct me if I'm wrong). Young enough, even, that Paul frequently referred to him as his "son." So, very young bishop. (Ironic that it's President Monson's most-quoted scripture, considering that he was also a young bishop. Twenty-two, in fact. With a ward of over 1000 members, including 85 widows.) Anyway, so here we have Paul writing a couple very long epistles to Timothy, the young man presiding over the church at Ephesus, a young man that is presumably very righteous.
And Paul loves him like a son. I just can't get over this part. I feel like it's so pivotal to the message of the whole book of Timothy. Where else does Paul dedicate his writing to one individual like this? Certainly not in any of the books of our New Testament. Those are most often reserved for entire cities. This epistle (and 2nd Timothy) are for one man alone.
So, looking at the circumstances under which this was written: first of all, it was directed to Timothy, who was trying to help guide the church in Ephesus. One man. An individual. (And individual instruction from the head of the Church, no less).
Also, this passage (4:12) counsels him not to let anyone DESPISE his youth. Unusual word choice. The OED (Oxford English Dictionary) gives several definitions of "despise": to look down upon, to treat with contempt in word or action. In other words, to treat pretty badly. No one really wants to be despised. But can Timothy control when others despise him? That's a tough question. I feel like I don't have a lot of control regarding how other people feel about me. How do I "let no man despise" my youth, my character, whatever? I think what Paul is saying to Timothy is not to let it bother HIM when people treat him with contempt because of his age. I believe the idea here is not that you control how others treat you, but that you control how you feel and act upon those feelings. So don't worry about it, Timothy. You're young, and that's fine. Similar things can be said about all of us in our callings today. We may be underqualified, too busy,not old enough, not musical enough, whatever. And people may talk.
The idea is that we can't let that "talk" pull us away from being an example of the believers. In word and conversation, in spirit and faith. But especially in charity. Because without charity we are nothing. And when earth and hell combine against us, with all their despising (which will only get worse and more emotionally abusive), if we have not charity we cannot overcome it. Because in the end, we'll sink. Hate and anger are really heavy.
JW
I think that often we underestimate the power of youth. To me, the language indicates that Paul exhorts Timothy that, in spite of the prejudices that people tie to youth, he has the potential to be an ensign of purity, goodness, a symbol of Christ. That same advice rings true for today. Often, I think our society tends to justify the mistakes of the youth, covering it up with the rationalizations of "coming of age" or experimentation. Although the atonement of Jesus Christ saves us all, I think Paul's words can reach out to the youth of the Church to tell them that they can be vigilant in their righteousness right now.
To me this scripture gives comfort. It reminds me that in a wicked world, we need to always remember what is important and what really matters. We need to never give into the temptations of the world. This scripture reminds us we need to be an example to the world. I really like how it is so specific in the many ways we need to set an example (in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity). This covers all bases in our life. If we can be an example in all these ways, we are almost guaranteed to be on the right path.
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