Welcome to 2026! It’s your year to be a light! You’ve got an empty year ahead. God is using it to forward His eternal plan of redemption. Are you going to let Him use you in that? Or are you going to be a passive Christian this year? 

It’s easy to make excuses. “I’m too young. I have too many questions. I’m still trying to figure out my identity.” Oh, ya. I make excuses too. I’m a mom of two children that doesn’t meet that many people in a week. How can I witness? 

But if I’m honest, I know that’s an excuse. There’s not one of us that can’t say, “Lord, I’m yours. Use me.” And you – for example – you stand in front of impressionable children every day. You can and will make a difference in their life. You are going to influence their view of life, the world, and God. 

Verses 11 and 12 of 1 Timothy 4 say, “Teach these things. Let no man despise you for your youth, but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Don’t let your youth hinder you. Now is the time to stand firm in what you believe. Commit this next year to God. Let him use you. You are called to teach. You are an example. 

Your speech echoes back from those who hear you. The compliments you give and the critical comments you make, your favourite expressions, your choice of words are affecting someone. 

The way you conduct yourself is being mirrored by those watching. The way you respond first thing in the morning and how you care about your personal appearance speaks loudly. If you comply to the rules or try to scrape by with the bare minimum, it matters. Your attitudes, your consistency, your honesty, your caring heart – these are all teaching someone how to live. 

Who and what you love shows. If you show love for your neighbour and treat everyone by the same standard, your followers notice. Your response to the person you disagree with isn’t missed. How much you talk about Jesus shows your devotion to God. They see where your love lies.

Be pure – free of taints. Live up to what you say. Be the same person no matter the crowd your a part of. Speak honestly and don’t shade the truth. Live up to the Bible. Remain strong through trials. Your purity proves your commitment to God. 

Verse 13 says, “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” Share your faith. Take God seriously. Grow. Challenge your beliefs so you become strong in them. Engage in conversations that help you realize what you truly believe. Read your Bible. Look for God in everyday life. Your faith is the core of who you are and sharing the Gospel is the most important role you have on this earth. You faith can lead others on the road to heaven. 

So go forward. Ask God to use you. Dare to be a strong, young example of Christianity. It’s time to be faithful. It’s time to forward God’s plan of redemption. You have a mission in 2026.