Young Brothers - Imitate Mark and Timothy

 "Bring Mark along with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry." - 2 TIMOTHY 4:11. 

YOUNG brothers, do you want to do more in Jehovah's service and be more helpful to those in your congregation? No doubt you do. How heartwarming it is to see so many young men who are willing to serve others! (Psalm 110:3) You may, however, face challenges. Do you hesitate to expand your ministry because of fear of the unknown? Have you lacked confidence? If so, you are not the first to feel this way.

Mark and Timothy faced similar challenges. But they did not allow fear of the unknown or their lack of experience to stop them from serving others. Possibly, Mark was living with his mother in a comfortable home when he was invited to travel with the apostle Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary tour. (Acts 12:12, 13, 25) Mark left that familiar environment to expand his ministry. First, he moved to Antioch. Then, he accompanied Paul and Barnabas to other faraway places. (Acts 13:1-5) Similarly, Timothy was likely living with his parents when he was invited by Paul join him in the preaching work. Being young and inexperienced, Timothy could have allowed a lack of confidence to hold him back. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16:10, 11 and 1 Timothy 4:12) However, he accepted Paul's invitation and enjoyed many blessings as a result. - ACTS 1:3-5.

Mark and Timothy gained valuable experience and learned to shoulder weighty responsibilities in their youth. Paul appreciated these young men so much that later he wanted them at his side when he realized that his life would soon come to an end. (Read 2 Timothy 4:6, 9, 11.) What qualities endeared Mark and Timothy to Paul? How can young brothers imitate their attitude? And how can young men benefit from Paul's fatherly advice? 

Next time: IMITATE MARK-BE WILLING TO SERVE

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