Many young leaders in the church, or in business get very frustrated when they are looked down upon as being to inexperienced, to "youthful", or are just not taken seriously when they speak or contribute. Paul's advice to Timothy is to focus on how to "show yourself an example of those who believe." Basically, don't focus on what people's expectations are of you - focus on who God is calling you to be and to be about - no matter what your age. The 5 areas Paul tells Timothy to set an example in are:

Speech: A lot of times it isn't so much what you say - but how you say it that shows wisdom or reveals foolishness. Or, it is if you say anything at all. Do you have the patience to say the right things at the right time?

Conduct: This is a pretty obvious one, but how to you conduct yourself around others. Are you the one always stepping over the line in humor? When there is a large group serving, are you talking to people or putting yourself to action? First to come and last to leave, or just putting your time in?

Love: What are your motivations? Are you reaching out to people in love or using them in ambition? Are people an interruption or an opportunity? What was the last truely selfless thing you did for someone?

Faith: Who is your faith stirring you to be? 1 Timothy 3:9 describes the it as "holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience." You don't have to know everything, but do you believe in a way that is authentic - and if so how is that a part of the decisions you make?

Purity: What does the morality in your dating relationships look like? If we could get your web browser alone and we interviewed it to the places it has been - what kind of things would we find out? How truthful are you at work? with your spouse? What kind of reactions do you have when your children mess up?

1 Timothy 4:12