“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. .” (1 Timothy 4:12)
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to his young protégé Timothy, who would eventually become the church's pastor at Ephesus. At just thirty years old, Timothy lacked experience. Paul, however, informs him that even if you don't have much training or experience, you can always be a role model.
Living a lifestyle that pleases God is the first step towards becoming a role model. Paul cites five areas, particularly for young Timothy to lead by example and for all of us to follow suit. In I Timothy 4:12, he stated that we ought to provide an example "in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
Paul adds these five areas in which to be a role model, so he covers all the bases in this remark. People will take note when we make an effort to lead by example in all that we do—how we speak, behave, love, practice our faith, and pursue purity. Furthermore, because we are living examples of the kind of lives that Scripture calls us to, we will be able to point others to Jesus.
Exalting the Bible is the second technique to set an example for others to follow. I would like to pose a question to you, and I urge you to respond truthfully. Are you reading the Bible? Do you put it to use? Are you making use of it? Are you teaching your children, your family, and everyone else in your circle of influence that the Bible is the final authority on how we should live and what we should believe?
In my opinion, the two worst things you can do with a Bible are not burn it or throw it in the trash, but rather leave it unused and unopened. We ought to be teaching and spreading God's word to others at every opportunity. We choose to be the role models that God is calling us to be when we exalt the Word of God to others.
Next time, we will look at two more strategies for setting a moral example for the next generation.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me the opportunity to introduce people to you every day. I ask that you help me make the most of this opportunity by modeling a godly lifestyle and exalting your word. I will not take it lightly. In Jesus' name, amen.
