For most of my years, I have heard that Jesus started his ministry at age 30. After all, most stories about his teachings, the miracles He performed, His death, burial, resurrection, and otherwise were about His adulthood. The world (at the time) witnessed the measure of a man.

We are not told much of Jesus’ childhood nor His teenage years in Scripture. However, we are introduced to Jesus at twelve (12) years old sitting among the teachers in a temple in Jerusalem. He was asking questions and listening to them. Luke, who gives the account in chapter 2, verses 41-52, tells us that those who heard him were amazed at His wisdom.

They were amazed for one main reason: He was a child. Children are not expected to punch above their weight. Youth are not expected to be wise and mature. They lack hands-on experience in many areas. They do not have all the answers and need to be guided in life.

Maybe the teachers were expecting Jesus to be disinterested in what was being discussed among them. Maybe they expected Him to sit quietly and listen. They were not counting on Him to join the conversation and add value to it.

Truthfully, many times in life we are counted out just because of our youth. We are told to sit on the sidelines and wait. We even count ourselves out too because of our inadequacies and insufficiencies. However, sometimes, we need to do what Jesus did and get in on the action.

Of course, there are things that we need to learn. We need to grow and develop. Use now to “learn on the job”. We will never have it all together. Use what you must add value to any space you are in for the glory of God. We should give what we have to Him to be used. He will make it work out. Look at the little boy with the five loaves and two fish (St. Matthew 14:13-21).

We should live above what is expected of us just to please the Lord. We must not live for the approval of mere mortals. Life is not only about having fun but acquiring special skills and tools to make the world a better place. Remember, you are still the perfect tool God wants to use to make Himself famous. Get in on the action. You are needed now.

^{Photo by Anna Might (IG:@annamighttakepics)}