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Set an Example

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. 1 Timothy 4:12

It seems young Timothy was easily intimidated by powerful, older people. He was reluctant to call them to a higher level of faith. And it sounds like he was a little less disciplined than he should have been. So Paul writes to him, 'Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example . . . in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity . . . devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture . . . Do not neglect your gift . . . Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life . . . closely...' (2 Timothy 4:12-16). What's Paul's message to us?

Scour your life. Put it under a microscope. Ensure that every part is operating according to the highest standards. Set an example. Live in such a way that people will want to follow you. In what areas? In speech, the things you say and the way you say them; in life, your daily habits determine your future; in love, the quality of your personal relationships; in faith, the degree to which you trust God; in purity, your character and integrity. Make your life a canvas on which the Christ-life is painted and which people can study.

Henri Matisse once said, 'Artists should have their tongues cut out.' Why? Because the artist's message comes through paint on canvas, not through the clatter of words. Yes, Paul says to all of us, 'If necessary, cut out your tongue' (paraphrase). In the final analysis, your life is measured by what you do, not by what you say.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me examine my life to try to reflect you in all I do and say. In Jesus’ Name, Amen