Paul

December 19

1 Timothy 1:2, 4:12-15

Set an example

Paul wrote a personal letter to his friend Timothy, to encourage him and give him advice about leading a church.

In a part of the letter Paul said: “Don’t let others look down on you because you are young, but be an example to them by the way you live and speak. Let them see your love, faith and purity. Spend your time preaching and teaching the Word of God. And don’t forget about the spiritual gift you were given when the elders laid their hands on you. Use the abilities God has given you so that others will see how well you are doing.

Keep a close watch on your life and on the truths you teach. If you stay true to what is right, God will bless you and make you a blessing to others.”

Can a young person be an example to an older person?

Can a child lead a blind man? Yes, it is easy for someone who can see to lead a person who can’t. Some people can see with their eyes, but their hearts are blind to the truth of the Gospel. Maybe their hearts have become so hard towards God that even the words of an adult can no longer change their stubborn attitude.

Yet, there is something about a child that can make the heart of an older person become soft. Maybe it is the honest and trusting nature of a child. Maybe it is the joy and freedom that shows in the face of a child that makes them long for God’s peace.

Jesus once used a little child to teach His disciples about God’s kingdom. “Unless you become like little children,” He said, “you can never enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 18:3). Remember, you are never too young to be an example to others.

Verse for today

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21