"Younger" Age = Younger Faith?

“Younger Age" = Younger Faith?

(4 Biblical cases)

The culture and social norm throughout biblical history were always geared towards respecting those “older”. This would naturally translate to those who are older having “more say” in spiritual topics, as one of an older age would naturally be considered having an older faith—or greater spiritual maturity. Hence, in this article, we will dig deep into Scripture to see what God has to say about this topic—whether one of a younger age is deemed to have a younger, less mature faith.

Please note that this is not an attack on those who are “older”, for everyone can be in Christian settings where they can be “older” or “younger”.

This article will present 4 biblical cases which deal with the relationship between age and spiritual maturity, followed by a message to the “younger” and “older” respectively.

Case 1: Job

Let’s begin with Job, the oldest book in the Bible. After the argument between Job and his 3 friends, in which they could not win the argument (Job 3:1-32:1), Elihu, the youngest among all, decides to speak (32:2-37:24). Not only does Elihu speak, he even rebukes the 3 wise men alongside Job. Take note that Scripture writes: “Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he” (32:2), implying that the general culture back then honored and respected those who were older. Yet, just because Job’s 3 friends were more advanced in age, it did not imply that they were more advanced in wisdom.

This is evident from (1) what Elihu said and (2) the final outcome. (1) First, Elihu begins his speech by stating that he is “young in years” (32:6), but affirmed that it is the “Spirit of the Almighty that makes one understand” (32:8). This statement is biblically profound as Proverbs 2:6 writes similarly: “the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (cf. Ecc 2:6; Dan 1:17). This statement, alongside the rest of his discourse, shows that Elihu—despite younger in years—should not be viewed as less wise or spiritually immature, thus qualifying him to say: “listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom” (33:33).

Obviously, that phrase sounds arrogant and prideful, but what if Elihu actually had authority to “teach them wisdom” because of his spiritual maturity? In fact, (2) since the final outcome had nothing against Elihu, it could imply that Elihu’s age did not equate to his faith. This is evident from how the LORD only rebuked Job’s 3 friends (42:7-9) but not the young wise man. Thus, while I am not asserting that everything Elihu said might have been biblically accurate, there is no denying that the culture (1) favors those older and (2) thinks of those younger to be less wise and spiritually mature. Yet, Scripture argues that those younger may not be less wise or spiritually mature.

Case 2: David

When the prophet Samuel grieved over Saul’s rebellious, people-fearing heart (1 Sam 16:1), God told him to anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons (16:1). Jesse made his 7 eldest sons pass through Samuel, but the LORD chose none of them. Samuel even thought that Eliab, the eldest (1 Chron 2:13), would be God’s chosen one (1 Sam 16:6). Interestingly, God chose David, the youngest among all (16:12-13), a man who was after God’s own heart (13:14). Take note that God saw David as a man after His own heart prior to anointing him.

Thus, this story also shows that the culture (1) generally favors those older and (2) thinks of those younger to be less wise and spiritually mature. Yet, according to God’s view, those who are younger may not necessarily have a spiritual life worse than those older. This can be seen as God’s anointing does not necessarily correlate with age, as He viewed David higher than his brothers.

Case 3: Jesus Christ

In Mark 10:13-16 (cf. Matt 19:13-15), it is written that the people of the crowds (Mk 10:1), presumably parents or relatives, brought the children to Christ (10:13). Take note that it was not the children themselves who barged in to meet Christ. The disciples, however, rebuked the parents and relatives, not the children, for bringing them to Jesus (10:13). Of course, Christ allowed the children to come to Him. He even laid hands on them and said: “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (10:14-15)

Hence, from the actions of the apostles, it can be discerned that the general culture had a slight disdain for those who were young. Perhaps they thought those younger were inadequate to be with Christ or with “deep” topics related to faith or the Kingdom. Interestingly, in Luke’s account, it is written: “Now they were bringing even infants…” (Lk 19:15). The “even” is enough to affirm that bringing those younger to Christ was not part of the norm.

Thus, from Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18, it can be affirmed that the general Jewish culture during the time of the Bible (1) favors those older, and (2) believes that those younger should have less say/participation in spiritual events. Yet, Jesus—who was a counter-cultural figure—accepted those who were “weaker” and “less mature”, not just to Himself, but to the Kingdom of God (Matt 19:14; Mk 10:15; Lk 18:16).

Case 4: Timothy

The last case, which is my favorite, relates to what Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:11-16. Now that we have a better grasp of the cultural bias back then, consider what Paul wrote to his child in the faith (1 Tim 1:2). Paul tells Timothy to (1) “let no one despite” him for his young age, but (2) to set himself as an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (4:12), and (3) to command and teach (4:11).

Let’s unpack that. (1) First, the reason why Paul told Timothy to not let the other believers despise him because of his age, was because they probably thought lowly of him based on that! Hence, when Paul continues to tell him (2) to set an example among the believers, even among older Christians, with his life—speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity—Paul was implying that Timothy was even more spiritually mature than the other believers. (3) Lastly, because Timothy was more spiritually mature, Paul told him “to command and teach” the church despite he may be miles younger than most of the congregation!

Thus, this Scriptural passage shows that the general culture would “despise” those of a younger age, including those in a church setting. Yet, from what Paul wrote to Timothy, it appears to be clear that he did not think one’s spiritual maturity was indicated by age. Paul would also disagree with the claim: “younger age = younger faith.”

Other cases include: 
Jeremiah: But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you..." (1:6-7)
Titus: Read chapter 2. 

Conclusion & Application to the “Younger”

From the 4 biblical cases presented above, it is evident that age does not always determine spiritual maturity. God’s anointing is not dependent on age as well. Hence, if you are “younger”, or placed in settings where you are “younger” than the rest of the community or congregation, do not despise yourself. Rather, just as Paul told Timothy to set himself an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, you are to do the same. In fact, precisely because God does not expect less of you as His anointing is not based on age, you should not hold yourself to a lesser calling or think that you have time to be immature. Now is not the time to slack off in the faith, but to step up!

Of course, by no means do I imply that the "younger' have the right to challenge, dishonor, or disrespect those who may be older but perhaps less spiritually mature. To set oneself as an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity includes being humble and serving one another--as Christ came to serve and not to be served (Matt 20:28).

Ever since I was 16, I would look at my favorite pastors or those whom I considered mature and Godly. Some were 20 years older than me, some 30, 40, and 50. Whatever standard of lifestyle—whether in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity—they held to, I vowed to God that I would at least match that because God has not called anyone, regardless of age, to immaturity, but the opposite of that (Col 1:28).

Conclusion & Application to the “Older”

If you are the “older”, or placed in a situation where you may be older than most, please bear in mind—especially if it’s because of the social norm or culture—that those younger than you may not necessarily have a younger faith. Of course, for many who have been walking with the Lord faithfully for a long time, that is oftentimes the case (that they are more spiritually mature). Yet, even in such situations, I believe it is the perfect opportunity to practice humility and to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph 5:21), just as how Christ came humbly to us, submitting to the Father’s will.

I pray that this article encourages and convicts us to not act according to social and cultural norms that may not be biblical. Let us be aware that, while culture may not always be bad, we need to cultivate a kingdom culture based on the infallible, inerrant, and incorrupt Word of God.

-Barnabas Kwok

Biblical & Theological Studies student at BIOLA University