An Example

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭16‬

Speech – Strong’s G3056 – logos – the act of speaking, speech

Conduct – Strong’s G391 – anastrophē – walk, i.e. manner of life, behavior, conduct

Faith – Strong’s G4102 – pistis – Conviction of the truth of anything, belief, and reference to Christ it denotes a strong and welcomed conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the Kingdom of God

Love – Strong’s G26 – agapē – affection, goodwill, benevolence

Purity – Strong’s G47 – hagneia – sinlessness of life

Reading – Strong’s G320 – anagnōsis – knowing, reading, a knowing again, owning

Exhortation – Strong’s G3874 – paraklēsis – exhortation, admonition, encouragement:

Doctrine – Strong’s G1319 – didaskalia – teaching or instruction that we may be taught for our learning

This letter to Timothy from Paul told him to not focus on his youth but on what he speaks, how he behaves, the affection and good will he has towards others and his belief in God. These are things that we all have the ability to change in our lives while things like our past or age is not something that we have the ability to change. It is a way we can set an example to everyone we meet.

Paul also encouraged Timothy to read the Word of God, to encourage those he ministered to, and to teach them. He called Timothy not to neglect his call but to absorb himself in it so that the calling would be evident and that salvation would come. Our actions speak to those around us. They should match what we believe by how we speak and how we treat others. We have an audience that others may not be able to reach, so we have to be diligent to share scriptures, to encourage others, and to teach others through the calling God placed on our life. We may get a clearer picture of our calling through prophetic words spoken over us or the anointing by those who we have placed ourselves under the authority of, as Timothy did Paul.

At times I know I have talked myself out of what I have been called to do because of my past. For me it is less about my age because I started serving at a young age, but stepping out in new areas I have been less apt to do. I feel that I need to stop making excuses and step out into what God has called me to. I’ve written the words spoken over me through the years. I have had the hands laid on me. I have prayed. It is time to act. I have seen some of the missed opportunities and know the cost, or at least some of it. I know God can redeem the time but I don’t want to waste anymore.

I have been in the Word daily and share it when opportunity arises. I apply the Word of God to my life. I encourage others to act on it and teach what I have received from God through His word and from other teachings that I jave incorporated into my life.

I can see how God has worked in my life to shift my speech. I used to be very blunt, with no filter. I know at times I still am blunt, but I have learned to filter what I am saying most of the time through Holy Spirit first. I have learned just because I think something doesn’t mean I have to speak it.

My conduct has also been transformed, as God has transformed my heart and mind. I acknowledge, I am always going to be a work in progress.

I am learning to love others as God loves me. I care about people and I know that they are made in God’s image. I am learning to love people where they are instead of where I want them to be. I am learning to love others in the way they receive the love best. It is not just about the action of love but also not speaking and acting in a way that empties their love tank.

My faith is solid/ This is something I have felt reinforced over this past year. It doesn’t mean I can stop tending to it but I have to allow God to build upon it and stop with the excuses.

Purity is still something I have to allow God to work out through me. I know this side of heaven I will not be sinless, but I can continue working towards purity.

I am called to live a life that is an example of Christ to those around me. I am called to speak the word and to urge others towards Christ. I am called to teach the truth of God’s Word with urgency and consistency. I am called to step out on obedience and cultivate the call of God on my life.

Lord thank You for the advice that Paul gave Timothy. Help me to not to make excuses but instead let my speech, conduct, love, faith and purity be an example to those around me. Help me to be diligent in Your word, exhortation, and teaching where You have called me. Help me to stop neglecting the gifts You have placed within me. Let me be absorbed with Your call on my life. Help me not to go astray but to lead others to You.