I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one – 1 John 2:14
It was reported that Alexander the Great, one of the most influential military figures and statesmen of all time, conquered the ancient world at the age of thirty-two (32).
History books have it that both Joseph and David ascended the throne, at age thirty (30).
The former was the first prime minister from a foreign land in Egypt – which was the world’s centre of civilization. The latter was the king in Israel, having stepped in at age of seventeen (17) in the face of one of the most critical moments in the history of the nation (where the sovereignty and posterity of the nation was threatened)
These characters, including Esther, Daniel, Timothy, and a host of other young individuals have proven that young men, ladies and ministers have always been at the centre of God’s plan for executing His Kingdom purpose. This is rightly so, in consideration of the natural endowment of strength, agility, accuracy and intelligence of the young individual.
Today, the Kingdom of the God is in dire need of purposeful young men and women. The Lord needs young people who are forthright in their dealings with others. The life of Joseph is a worthy example to impress the need for young ministers to be given to the course of influencing their generation for the kingdom of God. Proverbs 20:29 declares that The glory of the young men is their strength. This statement is significant in context and purpose.
The Significance of a Young Minister in the Kingdom
Drawing lessons from Joel 2:28 which states: “And it shall come to pass afterwards that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh…your young men shall see visions”, it is clear that the value and importance of a young minister cannot be overemphasized.
Energy, Foresight, Preparedness
Firstly, a young minister is blessed with the energy to run in fulfillment of the gospel where the toddlers in Christ or the aged in Christ would rather walk. The young minister is agile and hits the ground running where urgent attention is required in delivering the gospel.
Secondly, the young minister has clear foresight and direction as he relates daily with the Holy Spirit. He is concerned about the immediate and lasting impact of the gospel of the kingdom on the lives of others. Therefore, he exercises his duties with this understanding.
Thirdly, the young minister as a soldier of Christ is groomed and prepared for the day of battle. Little wonder scriptures notes that: Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:5.
Further Lessons From the Lives of Young Great Ministers
It is important to draw pertinent lessons from the lives of others who have lived before us. This would serve as a model for young ministers today.
Joseph, like David, was a young man who took responsibility when it mattered most. From the simple tasks of tending the family’s business to looking after the welfare of others, these men were always alive to their responsibilities.
Another important lesson to note from the lives of young ministers is the need to stand up to the occasion when it is most important.
Today, young ministers must stand out where others fade into compromise.
While this requirement is related to the act of taking responsibility, it is perhaps a more important skill. This is because it dimensions which challenges should be regarded as accepted or trivial. Joseph took up the challenge to serve within prison confinements and offered to interpret his colleagues’ dreams. David offered to challenge the enemy of his home nation when nobody else could. Esther offered to compete for a position of influence in the interest of her creed. Daniel chose the path of discipline to set a precedence and impress his faithfulness to the God of Israel. Today, young ministers must against all odds stand out where others fade into compromise.
You Have a Choice
If you are a young minister who desires to make impact for the Kingdom, you must remember some important lessons. While we glean from the lives of these young men, we must remember to imbibe integrity, forthrightness, and holiness.
Joseph had every reason to indulge and give in to authority where it required him to commit fornication.
Daniel had a choice to feed on the king’s dainties. Young Mary and Joseph had the choice of “tasting and testing” with the excuse of wanting to gain ‘experience’. Nevertheless, these all stood for the fear of God and righteousness. This is the leading criteria to be a Kingdom influencer.
