Be an Example // 1 Timothy 4:12
Today’s verse is a beautiful sentiment shared between a mentor and mentee. Timothy was the Apostle Paul’s protege, and despite his age, he proved to be quite the example for living a life for Jesus. 1 Timothy 4:12 reads in its entirety, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Paul urged Timothy to live for Jesus and shine as a beacon of hope for others.
This inspires me when I think about some of the Bible’s emphasis on children. We read in a prophecy pointing to Jesus from Isaiah 11:6 that a little child will lead. Later, Jesus said as recorded in Matthew 19:14 that children should not be hindered in coming to Him because the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them. This is important because of how frequently people might declare that a lack of sophistication or knowledge should keep kids away from the reverence of God. We see from the Old Testament to the Gospels and into Paul’s letters that the trust, curiosity, innocence, and exuberance of a child should be an example to us all. Why do you think that is? I, for one, think it’s because of how calloused and cynical we can become with the ardors of life. This proves to be a great support for our daily verse when we consider how Paul cautioned Timothy against letting others look down on him because of his age.
May we all think back to the joy of childhood and remind ourselves of the rush we felt to grow up. If we could recapture some of that childlike magic, we can prove to others — as well as ourselves — that the words we say, actions we take, ways we love, stability in faith, and commitment to purity bring about an inspiration to turn to Jesus. You might be thinking that it’s too late for you, but friends, I cannot disagree more! This is precisely why Jesus said we must be born again (John 3:3) and Paul also wrote that we become a new creation when we accept Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). So, if you are young chronologically, or young in your faith, furiously fight the temptation to become calloused and cynical; rather, let the love of Jesus make you new and show to the world how good He is! Be, and set, an example for the glory of a life lived in Jesus.
