"But I Am Only...!"

When we have been called upon to do certain things, how often have we responded, “But I am only…!” and those words were followed by whatever we felt disqualified or made us unsuitable for the task? Do we have limitations? Yes! Could we use more experience? Probably, but experience comes from doing!

Note Jeremiah’s initial response when God called him to be His spokesman.
“(4) Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (5) ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ (6) Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, FOR I AM ONLY A YOUTH.’” ( Jeremiah 1:4-6 ESV)

How young was Jeremiah? I don’t know. However, it doesn’t seem to matter how old or young individuals are, the same sort of response is too often given. Jeremiah was told, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’”. ( Jeremiah 1:7) When we read in the Scriptures something that someone is told not to say, we would do well to take that to heart ourselves. God made it clear to Jeremiah that He had plans for him even before he was born. Jeremiah was also encouraged that God be with him as went out and spoke whatever God commanded him. ( Jeremiah 1:7-8)

“I’m too young!” “I’m too old!” “I’m just not that gifted!” And on the list goes. You are not too young to be used by God. We don’t get too old to be of some kind of service either. Youth are not the church of tomorrow, but are a part of it today and we are all to be involved together in the work of the Lord. When it comes to being a worker for the Lord, there is enough for all of us to become involved. Regardless of age, being a member of the Body of Christ (the church) we are to find our part whether it be speaking God’s message, serving, teaching, exhorting or encouraging, contributing generously (of either money or time or both), leading by position or example, being merciful, etc. (note Romans 12:7-8)

The key in all of this is to simply be willing to go, do and say whatever the Lord has asked of us. Perhaps if we begin thinking in terms of “only being” A CHRISTIAN and a SERVANT OF GOD, then we will be more easily compelled to involve ourselves in the works that characterize those designations. Such will remind us of our relationship to God and Whose interests we are to be serving. God has not given us life for nothing. Regardless of age let us search out and accept the part He desires us to fulfill.

Have a great day ACCEPTING THE CALL OF THE ONE WHO KNOWS US BEST!
Carl

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