Don’t despise him

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. - 1 Corinthians 16.10-11

One of my favourite relationships in the Bible is that between Paul and Timothy. We have a modern term for thier relationship. Today we call it 'mentoring' but. I like how Paul put it. Paul called Timothy his 'son in the faith.'

This kind of relationship is vital for the church to survive. We need to 'pass it on' from generation to generation. In one of his letters he told Timothy 'take the things I have taught you. Pass them on to faithful men so that they can teach other men as well.'

Paul mentored Timothy. Paul also watched out for him. Here there was a possibility that he was going to visit Corinth.  Paul had to make sure that Timothy was treated properly. He was young. A bad experience could easily sour him to the ministry.

Let him come is such a way that he won't be afraid.

He is doing. God's work just like Paul.

Don't despise him because he is young.

Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me.

I love the practicality of that.  Timothy’s youth must have been an issue. In one of Paul’s letters to him he specifically instructs Timothy to ‘let no man despise your youth.’

It is vitally important that we encourage young preachers on their way. They are our future. They need our encouragement. They need our help. They need our comfort.

Who knows where God may lead and how God may use that young person you know who is trying o serve God despite all the challenges.

The world is going to all it can to call them away. They need to know that we are behind them.