Example

12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12, New Living Translation)



Application  

Young people are often stereotyped. People can see us as irresponsible, immature, and unstable. Timothy was a young pastor serving in the Assyrian (now Turkish) city of Ephesus. This book of the Bible was a letter that Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in his leadership and faith. Near the end of the letter Paul wrote these well known words about being an example. He was encouraging Timothy by telling him that his youth is not a liability but an asset. If he uses his youth to be an example in his teaching, living, love, faith, and purity then he would be a man of God no matter his age. This is the same for all of you. You may be young, but as you get into the word I would encourage you to be people who teach what is right to your friends, living your life for God, loving others, being faithful and pure. These are the things that will set you apart.
 
Now what…?
 
How can you be an example in your teaching, living, love, faith, and purity? Read this scripture over again and ask God to show you how.