Nobody Checked Your Résumé

Devotional · Leaders · 2 min

YOUR Ministry Name Here!

POWERED BY KIDOLOGY

FOR THE LEADER · Leaders · 2 MIN · 1 Timothy 4:12

Nobody Checked Your Résumé

The qualification Paul names is a way of life in front of people, not a credential — which means the least experienced volunteer in the building is already holding the real job.

  GENERATED WITH 1 EDITOR NOTE · READ THEM AT THE END BEFORE YOU TEACH

The list you think you’re short on

Maybe you have no Bible college training, no official title, no teaching gift you can see, and twenty minutes of prep in the car park. Maybe you are a teenage helper and people sometimes treat your age as a reason to take you less seriously. It is easy to make a private list of what you think you need before God could use you well.

Read Paul’s actual list

“Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (WEB)

Paul addresses Timothy’s youth, then points to the life people can see: your words, your way of life, love, spirit, faith, and purity. There is no degree, job title, or number of years on the schedule. None of those things makes someone an example.

That does not mean preparation is unimportant. It means the deepest qualification is not something you can add to a résumé. It is a life that is being shaped by Jesus.

Harder, not easier

That is harder, not easier. A child may not remember every part of your lesson outline, but they may notice how you speak to the loud child, whether you make room for the quiet child, and what happens when the morning gets messy. Your life is part of what you are teaching.

That is why the volunteer who feels unqualified still matters. You do not need to wait until you feel impressive to follow Jesus faithfully where children can see it.

Grace before effort

None of this earns God’s approval. You are not more loved because check-in went smoothly, your craft worked, or every child listened. Following Jesus is a response to his grace, not the price of it. We ask him to grow these things in us because we belong to him.

One question, one prayer

Which part of Paul’s list would a child in your room name first if they described you? Bring to Jesus the one they might name last. Ask him to grow that in you this Sunday.

1 Timothy 4:12 — Paul tells Timothy not to let others despise his youth. Instead, Timothy is to be an example to believers in his speech, way of life, love, spirit, faith, and purity.

Which area—your word, way of life, love, spirit, faith, or purity—would a child you serve be most likely to notice first?

Jesus, thank you that I do not earn your love by serving well. Show me the part of Paul’s list a child would be least likely to name in me, and grow it in me this Sunday. Help me follow you honestly in front of the children I serve. Amen.

Before Sunday, choose one area from Paul’s list. If you choose your word, decide now to answer the child who interrupts with patience instead of sharpness.

STILL BEING FINISHED · 1 EDITOR NOTE

This piece is usable as it stands. An editor has flagged the points below — read them before you teach, and use your judgement where they apply.

NOTE	This devotional runs beyond the 300-word limit for this format. The section text alone is roughly 310 words before the separately supplied discussion question, prayer, and takeaway are included. Cut it to under 300 words while retaining one application and the prayer.

BEFORE YOU TEACH IT

Please review and adapt all generated content before use.

YOUR Ministry Name Here! · FOR THE LEADER · Nobody Checked Your Résumé KIDOLOGY.ORG

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