At a recent baptism, we were impressed that all aspects of the service were well done. The presiding, prayers, readings, piano accompaniment, talk and baptism were conducted in a competent and uplifting manner. The refreshments which followed were attractively presented. Then it struck us that, except for a sister on the catering committee, everybody involved was under 40 years old.
The matter was pursued and it turned out that the interviewing brethren were under 40, as were those who handled all preliminary instruction with the candidate.
To some extent, this reflected the demographics of our ecclesial area. More importantly, however, it reflected the fact that those in their late 20’s and 30’s have developed into major contributors in ecclesial work.
Work of the meeting
Is this unusual? It should not be. The Levites were “to perform the work in the service of the tent of meeting” beginning at age 25 (Num. 8:26). By age 30, they would assume responsibility for some of the most vital activities associated with the tabernacle (Num. 4:3,23, etc.).
When Josiah was 20, “he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places and the groves…” When he was 26, he sent a team of respected men “to repair the house of the LORD his God” (II Chron. 34:3,8).
In entering fully into the work of the Lord at an early age, Josiah was following the example of his grandfather, Hezekiah. “Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old…He in the first year of his reign, in the first month opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them” (II Chron. 29:1-3).
Hezekiah’s action followed upon the extraordinary wickedness of his father, Ahaz. The 25-year-old king inherited a nation given over to idolatry. Yet he did not pale at the task nor use his youth as an excuse for inaction.
Too young?
We have heard brothers and sisters in their late 20’s and early 30’s excuse themselves as being too young for ecclesial responsibilities. While it is true they do not have all the wisdom that comes with experience, such disciples are not too young to accept all phases of ecclesial work.
(“All phases” includes mundane tasks as well as those which are more prominent. Hall maintenance, house moving of members, etc. are part of the “service of the tent of meeting.”)
The key to adequately handling many responsibilities is preparation. In order to lead the reformation he initiated, Hezekiah was intimately familiar with the law of the Lord and the practices ordained under David. Since he went into full operation in the first month of his first year, he had been doing much preparation during his late teens and early 20’s. When opportunity came, he not only accepted it, he was ready for it.
Give them a chance
In some cases, able disciples are held back by those who are older. Within the context of wise counsel and helpful advice, room needs to be made for those who are under 40 that they might develop and that the “work of the service of the meeting” might benefit from their participation.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One