A few days ago, I read somewhere about a 15 year teenager in the Congo (I posted something about this on Twitter and my FB status) that was not waiting to grow up to make an impact. It really inspired me.

Turns out that some missionaries bumped into him and began to have a conversation. Because he was dressed in a suit and tie they asked if he was returning from church. To their surprise he shared that he was returning from another village where he has spent the morning ministering to the people.

When I heard this, I was challenged. Here was a young man who rose above the expectations of his age and ability to live intentionally and sacrificially on purpose. He was not wasting his days, he was investing so that others would be able to hear of Christ’s love and embrace the hope He offered.

His story reminded me of my absolutely favorite verse when I was growing up. I Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

This young man did set an example for me. An example that challenged and inspired me. But, we also have been given the charge to rise above our excuses to do what is right. To ‘set an example’. Some of us will embrace that charge, others will not.

And it is not just age. For some, that scripture should read, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your intellect” or maybe, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your family history”, or even, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your past, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

See, every one of us has things that could keep us from living life well. We could embrace our excuses and hold on tightly. But, because of God’s grace and His ability working in us, we can rise above them. We can move past our past and make a difference in our present and in our future.

Like the young man in Africa, there might be people who expect you to be floating through your days wasting your potential, but with God on your side you can do so much more. Only heaven knows what God could do with you if you decided to not let anyone look down on you or force you into a tight box. Only heaven knows…but don’t you want to know as well?

Take it one day at a time, but begin today to live above the excuses and expectations. Live well.