Setting a Positive Example

Command and teach these things. 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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:11-16

Notes

Timothy was considered a young man, age 30, and Paul motivated him not to allow anyone to look down on him because of his age. Timothy, because of his age, was vulnerable to errors and criticisms. Even so, Paul found it most important to motivate Timothy to be sure his conduct, speech, and life would be an example to others, being he was considered a pastor at that time.

People in and outside the church notice pastors’ speeches and conduct. Every Pastor should be an example in what they say (words), what they do (conduct), in their love, in their attitude (spirit), in their faith (faithfulness, commitment), and in their purity. Let’s not stop at pastors.

We, like Timothy, are vulnerable to error and criticism. And we are expected to have the same character as pastors are called to have. Our words should be encouraging. Our conduct should be Christlike, not worldly. We should treat others lovingly. Our attitude should be positive, not negative. We should be faithful to God, the church, and other Christians and have a pure heart. Much is expected of us because much has been given to us. We are ambassadors of Christ and have a great responsibility in how we conduct ourselves. Are we seen as being Christ-like?

We cannot rise to such character by ourselves. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit and accountability of other Christ followers.

By P.D. Deckard