Don’t Underestimate Your Influence

• How old does someone have to be before he or she can serve God?

• How does what you say and do influence others?

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.
1 Timothy 4:12

This Bible verse is taken from a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, who was serving as a pastor at the time. Timothy was young for a pastor, which is why Paul tells him not to let anyone look down on him because of his age.

People of all ages, especially young people, should take this verse to heart. No matter what age you are, you can set an example for believers. You can do this with the way that you talk, the way that you act, how you love others and how you exercise your faith.

If this feels like a lot of pressure, it is. God is your only judge, and you only have to worry about pleasing him. But this doesn’t mean that other people are not watching you. Choose your words and your actions to glorify God. Setting a good example for others is simply a by-product of this process.

You never know how much influence your words and actions may have on someone else. Never underestimate your own influence. Think before you speak and before you act. And try to make decisions that will glorify God.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for loving young believers just as much as older ones. Thank you for giving me opportunities to influence others for you. Please help me to choose the right words and actions so I can glorify you in all that I do and say. Amen.