Have you ever thought, “I’m just a kid. What difference can I really make?” Maybe you’ve wondered if adults are the ones who do all the important work for God. After all, pastors preach, teachers teach, and parents make the big decisions.
That’s not what God says. When Paul wrote to Timothy, Timothy was much younger than many of the leaders around him. Some people may have doubted him because of his age, but Paul reminded him of something important: Your age does not limit God’s purpose for your life. God doesn’t wait until you turn 18 to begin using you. He can use you right now—in your classroom, on your sports team, in your neighborhood, and at home.
How?
Paul gives us five simple ways to lead:
In Speech
Your words have power. You can encourage someone who is having a hard day, refuse to join in gossip, and speak kindly even when others don’t.
In Conduct
People notice how you act. When you choose honesty instead of cheating, kindness instead of teasing, or obedience instead of complaining, you’re showing others what following Jesus looks like.
In Love
Jesus loved everyone—even people who were different or difficult. This year, look for someone sitting alone at lunch or someone who needs a friend. Love often starts with something as simple as saying, “Would you like to sit with me?”
In Faith
Trust God with the big things and the small things. Pray before a test. Pray for a friend who is hurting. Believe that God hears your prayers because He does.
In Purity
Choose what honors God. Whether it’s what you watch, what you say, or how you treat others, ask yourself, “Does this help me look more like Jesus?”
Leading doesn’t always mean standing in front of a crowd as sometimes the greatest leaders are the ones who quietly choose to follow Jesus every single day. Imagine what could happen if every child who loves Jesus decided to shine His light at school this year!
One kind word could change someone’s day.
One invitation to church could change someone’s life.
One prayer could change someone’s future.
Never forget: God isn’t looking for someone older—He’s looking for someone willing.
Parents, It’s easy to underestimate the influence our children have, but God certainly doesn’t. Children often impact their classmates in ways adults never can. They build friendships, notice who feels left out, and have opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love every single day.
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is confidence—not confidence in themselves, but confidence in who God says they are. Remind them often:
God has a purpose for them today.
The Holy Spirit lives inside every believer, regardless of age.
They don’t have to be perfect to be used by God—they simply need willing hearts.
Pray over your child each morning before school. Ask the Lord to help them become an example through their words, actions, love, faith, and purity. The seeds you plant today may become the testimony someone else needs tomorrow.
Family Discussion
Why do you think some people believe kids are “too young” to make a difference?
Which of the five areas—speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity—is easiest for you?
Which one is hardest?
Who can you encourage at school this week?
How can our family lead others by following Jesus?
Kingdom Builder Challenge – Choose one of Paul’s five examples to focus on today:
Speak encouraging words.
Show kindness through your actions.
Include someone who feels left out.
Pray for a friend.
Make a choice that honors God even if no one else notices.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that You can use people of every age to build Your Kingdom. Help us never believe the lie that we’re too young to make a difference. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that our words, our actions, our love, our faith, and our choices point others to Jesus. Help us be brave when it’s hard, kind when others aren’t, and faithful even when no one is watching.
For our parents, give them wisdom to encourage us and remind us of who You created us to be. Help our family become a light that shines brightly for You wherever we go.
Use us this school year to help others know and love Jesus.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
“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.”
1 Timothy 4:12
Tomorrow we’ll discover that healthy faith doesn’t happen by accident— it grows in good soil. We’ll explore Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and learn how parents can faithfully plant seeds while children prepare their hearts for God’s Word to take root and flourish.
Love you!
Ms. Kim – Family Minister