Saturday

Living Example

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

“Let no one despise you for your youth (that you may be too young or too old to be a witness or a minister of the Gospel of Christ), but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

Paul was encouraging Timothy after people were saying that he was too young to be a minister of the Gospel, but the best way to dispel their thoughts and words was to set an example. To conduct himself in a godly manner in his actions and reactions, how he carries himself, how he conducts himself in ministry, in business, and in his personal life. To conduct his life in the way he spoke, the way he acted in front of believers or sinners, to love no matter if he is loved in return or not. He told him to be faithful and full of faith and to be pure in front of people and in his personal thoughts and actions.

Setting ourselves as an example is not always always easy. We cannot judge ourselves by our own standards, we judge ourselves according to the words of God. Our words and actions should not offend but be seasoned with salt. Our hearts should show who we are in Christ. Our love should be unconditional, and our faithfulness and our faith should always show others that our only source and hope is Jesus. Purity has to be an integrity that we practice in public and when no one is watching us.

Prayer:

Lord, when I came to You, I in essence said that I wanted to represent who You are. Lord, help me, teach me to be a reflection of You. Never unseemly, never inappropriately, never offering a stern word, but offering the words of our Father with love, forgiveness and faith. Help me Lord to remain pure in Your sight, not judging myself by my own set of standards, but by Your standards only. In Your name Lord Jesus I ask, Amen!