Youthful Authority

An elder must not be a new Christian,
because he might be proud of being chosen so soon,
and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.
Before they are appointed as deacons,
they should be given other responsibilities in the church
as a test of their character and ability.
If they do well, then they may serve as deacons. I Timothy 3:6, 10

When I was eleven, I thought I was a real hot-shot horsewoman. At the stable where I rode, I was given extra free time riding as a helper in large groups. I groomed and saddled horses, and then helped their riders, many of them adults, to mount. I showed them how to hold the reins, and adjusted the stirrups for them. During the ride, if anyone had trouble with their horse, I would switch and ride the problem horse. By the time I was thirteen, I was riding horses no one else dared to try. I started riding privately owned horses to retrain them for owners (usually adults) who did not have either the time or skill for the horse.

But I began to realize that skillful riding involved more than managing a problem horse. I didn’t have the least idea how to take a horse smoothly over a course of jumps or perform complex maneuvers with a minimum of effort. All my efforts in managing horses involved strength, determination and the ability to calm the animal. After riding for more than ten years, I finally began to learn some of the true skills of horsemanship. My lessons included jumping, cross-country and ringwork. I learned how to show and win in different classes. And yet, although I’m a good rider, I’m not really outstanding. I’m certainly not as good as I thought I was when I was eleven.

When I was young, I didn’t know how much I still had not learned. I simply thought that I knew a great deal. Once I learned more about horsemanship, I realized that there was so much to know, and I had only begun. What seemed great knowledge was really the knowledge of a beginner. For every field this is true. A little knowledge at the beginning seems great wisdom. If the beginner is given responsibility without guidance from a more knowledgeable expert, the beginner becomes prideful, thinking that their quick rise to authority is proof of their superior abilities.

A person wishing to be a leader of God’s people, whether a pastor, teacher or mentor, is subject to this kind of pride when he is elevated too quickly. He becomes quite sure of his own words of wisdom, and knows that he perceives deep truths that others see only dimly. Unchecked, this attitude leads to arrogance and a rejection of experienced teachers. This kind of youthful pride is not limited to those young in years. Any new or inexperienced Christian may fall into this error.

A new Christian is often bold and eager to serve God more completely. This worthy aim must be nurtured by knowledge of the Word, in study and in practice. Everyone who wishes to serve God should be given the opportunity to do so. They should be mentored into greater responsibility and into acting through the love of God for the good of the Body of Christ.