I used to avoid discussing my age, fearing that people would not respect me as a leader if they knew how young I was. I’d just smile as they assumed I was ten years older (which speaks poorly of my appearance: maybe I should invest in lotion). Entering my thirties has helped, but I’m still not completely comfortable in my own skin. Even now, I’m quick to point out that I’m the same age Jesus was during His ministry, almost like I feel the need to apologize for not being what people expect.
Maybe you know what that is like. You’ve always had offbeat tastes or a quirky sense of humor. You’re a girl who likes superheroes or a guy who doesn’t care about football. You aren’t what people expect. If so, I have good news: you don’t have to be. It is okay that you are kind of quiet or very outgoing. It doesn’t matter whether you are practically a little kid or getting up in years. What matters is that God chose you.
The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1:26-31: “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”
Instead of focusing on worldly standards and boasting in myself, imagine if my identity in Christ were so complete that being a young leader was okay: it showed that Jesus taught me humility and service. My unique background and interests just mean I have avenues to share Jesus that someone else might not. When God chooses us, whoever we are and whatever we’ve done – including our mistakes – can be an opportunity to show His goodness, give Him glory, and lead others to Him. For all our shortcomings and quirks, God chose us: let’s boast in the Lord.
Visit our sermon podcast page for Ordinary People, Extraordinary God, a series of lessons on how Jesus can accomplish incredible transformation in our everyday lives.